Panasonic Open Golf: Randhawa, Kumar in opening day lead

New Delhi: Jyoti Randhawa fired three closing birdies to grab a share of the lead along with Mukesh Kumar on Day One of the weather-affected Panasonic Open India at the Delhi Golf Club here on Thursday. The duo carded five-under-par 67.

The leading duo had a three-shot advantage in the $400,000 Asian Tour event after the opening round was delayed by four hours because of thick fog and later abandoned due to fading light.

Thailand’s Sutijet Kooratanapisan signed for a 70 to take the third place alongside a host of players, who will be among the 60 players set to return on Friday morning to complete their first round.

Defending champion Chiragh Kumar returned with a 71 to stay four shots off the pace.

Randhawa sank two birdies against a bogey before blasting three straight birdies from 16 for a back-nine 32.

“This is one of my favourite golf courses. I have a lot of good memories. I felt good coming back here again. I had a good finish to the round which was great. The game has been feeling good. I have been playing a lot recently. I think that got me the good form,” said the 44-year-old, who enjoyed a top-five finish in the Philippines last month.

Mukesh, a local veteran who has won over 120 professional titles in his career, took advantage of his course knowledge for his fine start.

Title-holder Chiragh endured a frustrating day in the office but took pride in his battling performance where he sank three birdies against two bogeys.