Date:09/03/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/03/09/stories/2007030908912000.htm

Sport - Golf

Jyoti Randhawa tied third

Singapore: Jyoti Randhawa made an impressive start in the Singapore Masters golf with a sizzling opening round of seven-under 65 to be tied third, while compatriot Jeev Milkha Singh turned in three-under 69 in a rather sedate round here on Thursday.

Randhawa, who has missed each of his three cuts on the Asian Tour this season but did well in European Tour events, shot a 65 on the Classic Course and was tied third with Shingo Katayama and Barry Hume. They are one shot behind joint leaders Liang Wen Chong and Marcus Fraser.

China's Liang enjoyed a sensational start after an eight-under 64 and he shared the lead with Australia's Fraser in the opening round. Both were playing on the Classic Course, which produced the top 27 scores for the day.

The day's best on Golden Course was four-under 68 by five players, including the seasoned Indian Gaurav Ghei. They were all tied 15th, but will play the easier Classic Course on the second day.

Both Jeev and Shiv Kapur shot three-under 69 each on the Classic Course to be tied 33rd. Among others, the Kolkata duo of Rahil Gangjee and S.S.P. Chowrasia shot even par 72 on the tougher Golden Course to be tied 98th, while Amandeep Johl had a two-over 74 on the Golden to be tied 137th. — PTI