Lahiri, winner of two Asian Tour titles, was five shots off the leader, Lien Chi-Wei of Chinese Taipei who shot a surprising six-under-par 66 in tough scoring conditions for the opening round lead.
Chiragh Kumar, runner-up at the Hero Indian open last year, had a decent outing with a round of 73 that placed him tied 22nd.
Other Indians -- Gaganjeet Bhullar, who won in Taipei two weeks ago, Himmat Rai and Ajeetesh Sandhu -- shot 75 each to be tied 53rd. Manav Jaini, who carded 76 to be at 82nd spot, needed a good second round to ensure he played on during the weekend.
Lahiri, currently 10th on the Asian Tour Order of Merit courtesy his one victory earlier this year, credited his battling spirit where he turned in 36 and returned with one birdie on the home stretch.
"I'm really happy with the way I played. It was tough and the wind was really strong. We played in a little bit of rain early in the round. Conditions are really tough. You got to grind the whole day. I scrambled well and made a lot of up-and-downs," said Lahiri.
"I didn't drop any shots on the back nine and that was the key for me. It was tough and the wind was really strong. We played in a little bit of rain early in the round." (MORE)
