US Open: Jeev tied 74th

It was a none-too-impressive start for debutant Jeev Milkha Singh as he shot a five-over 75 on the opening day of the 102nd US Open Golf Championship, at the par-70 bethpage Black Course here yesterday.

Jeev, who became the first Indian to qualify for the prestigious US Open, the second Major championship of the year, failed to keep up the momentum on back nine as he finished the first day tied at the 74th place, according to information received here today.

However, his round had enough heroics to earn praises as he thrilled the huge gallery with some outstanding shotmaking from around the green.

Meanwhile, world No. 1 Tiger Woods used every trick in his book to overcome the viscious Bethpage Black course. The American shot five birdies and two bogies as he finished the day on top at three-under 67, one stroke ahead of Sergio Garcia.

How tough were the conditions at the Bethpage Black could be gauged by the fact that only six players from the quality field of 156 managed to break par. Only two eagles were shot during the entire day as against 131 double bogies and the 320 birdies scored were completely outnumbered by 771 bogeys.

Defending champion Retief Goosen started with a 79, three-time winner Hale Irwine languished with a 82, while British Open champion David Duval could do no better than 78.

Jeev had the crowd applauding on the first hole when he hit a brilliant second shot to the green from the deep rough. On the second, he got an up-and-down from the bunker and then his birdie putt from 20 feet lipped out on the third.