Jyoti starts year with 64

However, before Tognchai Jaidee could stake his claim, Lu Chien, one of theoldest players on the APGA tour, also a past winner of the Indian Open, whoplayed later this afternoon, set a new record.

Meanwhile, Randhawa and local golfers Plaphol and Jaidee, shot an identical score of eight-under-par to take second place.Earlier, Jyoti shot a bogey-free four-under-par, 32 for the front nine, followed by two more birdies — on the 11th and 12th beforedropping his only shot of the day, on the 15th. He then recovered thedropped shot, carding another two birdies on his way home for a 64.Chawalat followed suit, shooting a better front nine — a six-under-par 30coupled with a two-under-par back nine. Later, Thai youngsterJaidee also brought in a similar score resulting in a three-waytie.

A stroke behind after shooting a 65 was another local golfer, PromMeesawat who occupies sole fifth place.

While Arjun Atwal will accompany India’s only representative on the EuropeanPGA tour, Jeev Milkha Singh to participate in the Heineken Open in Australiathis week, all the other APGA regulars were back on tour.

Amongst the other Indians playing here this week, Harmeet Kahlon continuedhis good form from last week as he went around in 68, four-under-par for theday.

Meanwhile Arjun Singh, playing his first event after a year and a halflayoff due to a shoulder injury shot 71, with a double bogey on the par-five18th. Amritinder Singh, who shot a 70, two-under-par, carded the only otherunder-par round for 18 holes.

Hovering at level-par, Digvijay pulled back in the last few holes to shoot a72. One shot worse off was Vivek Bhandari, who failed to get his putting inorder and went on to card a 73. KPS Sekhon shot a 74, while Amit Dubefailed to get things going and could only manage a 79.

Though the course is playing quite easy and putting is the key factor thisweek, not all the top golfers shot low 60’s. Last year’s Order of Meritwinner, Simon Dyson shot a comfortable 71 as did Kyi Hla Han, who could beseen bashing balls on the range until dark.