Chiragh Kumar, coming off a long off-season following struggles with injuries and form, opened the Yeangder Tournament Players Championships with a fine four-under 68 that gave him a share of third place at the end of the first round here today.
Chiragh, a teammate of Gaganjeet Bhullar and Anirban Lahiri at the 2006 Asian Games, when they won the team silver, closed the round with a satisfying eagle on the 18th after three birdies and a bogey on the front-nine.
Chiragh lived up to the adage 'beware the sick golfer' when he battled flu to card a round of 68 that was highlighted by an eagle-three on the 18th hole.
Rahil Gangjee (70) was tied 10th, while the rest of the Indians had modest to disappointing rounds. Lahiri carded an even par 72 to be tied 29th, while defending champion Bhullar and Abhinav Lohan shot one-over 73 each to be tied 46th.
Abhijit Chadha (74) was tied 59th, while Himmat Rai and Ajeetesh Sandhu with rounds of 75 each were tied 71st.
Bhullar stands a chance to qualify for the WGC-HSBC Champions in China in October if he can remain in the top-two position on the Order of Merit before the cut-off date on October 14.
Thailand's rising star Thitiphun Chuayprakong birdied the last two holes for a six-under 66 to take a one-shot lead in the opening round.
