Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri opened with an even par 70 with four each of birdies and bogeys in the first round of the Omega European Masters here today.
Other Indians in the fray -- Digvijay Singh signed for a 71, while Jeev Milkha Singh, Asia's number one in 2006 and 2008, returned with a 72 together with Rahil Gangjee and Jyoti Randhawa. Shiv Kapur and SSP Chowrasia carded a 74 and 75, respectively.
It was not the start Lahiri, the current Asian Tour Order of Merit leader, was hoping for on the opening day of the Swiss showpiece held at the Crans-sur-Sierre Golf Club.
Starting on the back-nine 10th, the 27-year-old got off encouragingly with birdies on 15 and 18 before turning in 32. He sank another birdie on the first and sixth holes only to be let down by four bogeys on holes three, four, seven and eight.
"It was disappointing as I made four bogeys back there but I hope to do better tomorrow," lamented Lahiri.
Lahiri will have to overcome a six-shot deficit to make up grounds with clubhouse leaders Tommy Fleetwood and Graeme Storm of England as well as Northern Ireland's Gareth Maybin, who returned with matching 64s.
Like Lahiri, the rest of the Indian contingent will also be looking to assert themselves when they return for their second round after their slow opening starts.
