St Andrews, Scotland, July 16: India’s Anirban Lahiri emerged as the leading Asian player after day one of The Open when he posted a three-under-par 69 to take a share of 18th place on Thursday. (Audio Courtesy: Joy Chakravarty of Sport360)
Sweden’s Rikard Karlberg, a two-time Asian Tour winner, also put the spotlight on the region’s premier Tour by carding a 70 to trail first round leader Dustin Johnson of the United States by five shots in tied-24th position at St Andrews, the Home of Golf.
Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee, who opened his campaign strongly by running out in 34, struggled in his inward-nine by mixing three bogeys and a birdie for a 72 and a share of 64th place.
While he was satisfied with his opening round efforts, Lahiri hopes that other players from the Asian Tour can better their first round scores as the world’s oldest Major heads into its second round at St Andrews, the Home of Golf.
“I know I played pretty solid today and I hope more of us can do better over the next three days. Hopefully one of us can get into the mix on Sunday,” said Lahiri.
