Rookie Khalin Joshi got off to a dream debut on the Asian Tour as he blasted a six-under 66 to share the lead with former champion and world record holder Chapchai Nirat after the opening round of the SAIL-SBI Open at the fabulous Delhi Golf Club here today.
Chapchai of Thailand and Joshi lead by one shot over Qualifying School winner Chan Kim of the United States at the USD 300,000 event.
Chapchai launched his quest to end a four-year winless and snared eight birdies against two bogeys in the morning session. In the afternoon he was joined by Joshi at the top.
The top Indian Amateur in 2012, Joshi, who turned pro at the start of the year, today fired nine birdies against three bogeys on a day he called as 'dream debut'.
Chiragh Kumar shot a solid 68 to share third place with Bangladeshi Mohd Siddikur Rahman, while Shiv Kapur (69) failed to capitalise on his magnificent outward 29 when he came home in 40 after taking a quadruple bogey eight on the sixth hole.
Manav Jaini who has some excellent finishes in Asian Tour events at his home course, also carded a creditable 69.
Defending champion Anirban Lahiri started with a sedate one-under 71, while Rikard Karlberg, champion in 2010, shot even par 72. Four-time Asian Tour winner, Gaganjeet Bhullar went three-over 75.
Joshi was ecstatic with his exploits in the first round.
"It was a great start, but I will take it. I putted really well today. I've been hitting the ball well the past few weeks but the putter was hot today, made quite a few. Hit a great tee shot on seven to two inches, wish it was a hole in one but it's okay," he said.
"I'm going to approach the rest of the week like how I did today, just play within myself. This is the first week I am not playing with my driver. I'll do that the whole week. Just keep the same attitude."
Speaking of his fellow Bangalorean, Anirban, Joshi said: "Anirban is a great friend of mine and I look up to him. I'm looking forward to doing something this week. It will mean the world to me, if I can win my first Asian Tour tournament as a pro. I'm looking forward to it.
