India's Anirban Takes Two Stroke Lead In Opening Round Of Selangor Masters

PETALING JAYA (Selangor, Malaysia), Sept 19 (Bernama) -- India's Anirban Lahiri took a two shot lead in the opening round of the US$401,112 (RM1.3 million) Worldwide Holdings Selangor Masters held at the Seri Selangor Golf Club in Kota Damansara, here Thursday. The 27-year-old Anirban enjoyed a birdie binge when he sank 10 birdies against three bogeys, en route to a seven-under-par 64 for a two-stroke lead. "I'm really happy with how I played. I got off to a good start and made a couple of good putts. It could have been even better. I missed some short putts but I hit it really good," said Anirban, who was delighted with his blistering start. Close on his heels were his compatriot, S.S.P. Chowrasia and Taiwan's Chan Yih-shin, who shot identical scores of five-under-par 66. "I started very well but struggled a bit on the back nine. It was still a good round. This is a short but very tricky course. You always have to place the ball at the right spots. I made some good putts and that helped my round," said Chowrassia. Meanwhile, Chan noted that he was relieved to have a strong start in the competition. "Last year, I didn't play very well on Tour and lost my Tour card which was disappointing. This is only my third tournament of the season on the Asian Tour, so hopefully I can find some good form for the rest of the week," he said. Malaysia's Shaaban Hussin emerged as the best local player, after he fired back-to-back eagles for an opening three-under-par 68 to share fifth position with five other players, among them Australian rookie Cameron Smith and Thailand's Sattaya Supupramai and Chapchai Nirat. Shaaban nailed his first eagle from three feet on the fifth hole before brilliantly chipping in at the next hole to stay within touching distance of leader and playing partner, Anirban. The good vibes did not last long when he double bogeyed the par-four seventh hole. "I am happy to shoot two eagles, which was unbelievable. On the fifth, I hit an eight iron to about three feet and then I chipped it in on the next hole from the edge of the green. But on seven, I made a double. I was thinking of trying for my third eagle," he quipped. --BERNAMA