Gaganjeet Bhullar, who was forced to take a nearly three-month break due to injury, got off to a steady start with a three-under 69 to remain at 10th spot at the inaugural Dubai Open despite a late double bogey at the Els Club, Dubai, here today.
Bhullar was the best Indian on the first day, while Shiv Kapur (71) was one-under with a bogey-free round that had one birdie and 17 pars. Kapur is tied 24th.
Chiragh Kumar, Arjun Atwal and Jeev Milkha Singh carded one-over 73 each in tied 56th, while Jyoti Randhawa four-over with two holes to go birdied the last two to finish at 74 in tied 68th place.
Rashid Khan and SSP Chowrasia shot 75 each and would need to a good second round to make the cut.
Australian rookie Kalem Richardson stormed into the early first round lead at the inaugural Dubai Open with a six-under-par 66 on Thursday despite not having a practice round.
The 26-year-old Richardson, who has enjoyed two top-fives in his last five starts, posted one eagle and five birdies to lead by one shot from Thai prospect Pavit Tangkamolprasert and Christopher Canon of England.
Singapore's veteran Mardan Mamat and Aussie duo Scott Barr and Nathan Holman, both shot 68, to stay amongst the early leaders in what is the final tournament of the 2014 Asian Tour season. The first round is still in progress with the afternoon session.
Prom Meesawat of Thailand, who needs a win here to finish second on the Order of Merit, signed for a 71 while Filipino star Angelo Que was one better with a 70 after shrugging off a groin strain.
