Jeev struggles

NEW DELHI, AUG 21: Caught in swirling winds and rainy conditions, defending champion Chiranjeev Milkha Singh managed only a two over par 74 in the opening round of the Phillip Morris Asia Cup at Seoul8217;s Woo Jung Hills Country Club, according to reports reaching here.

The best Indian effort of the day was from Gaurav Ghei, who recently became the first Indian to play the British Open. He shot a par round of 72 as did Vivek Bhandari.

The lead at the end of the first round was held by Marciano Pucay of the Philippines, who had a four under par 68.

He was followed by a group of Koreans Kang Wook-Soon, Kim Jong-Duck and Park Nam-Sin and Thais Prayad Markasaeng and Chawalit Plaphol, all of whom shot three under 69. Kang was the runner-up behind Jeev last year.