Aug 02, 2018: Australia’s Andrew Dodt, who is seeking his first Asian Tour win since 2015, got off to a flier by posting a five-under-par 67 to grab a share of the first round lead with compatriots Ben Campbell, Jarryd Felton and Nicholas Cullen on a wind-swept day at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways on Thursday.
Playing under blustery conditions at the Natadola Bay Championship Golf Course, the 32-year-old Australian enjoyed a bogey-free round where he marked his card with three birdies and an eagle before setting the opening pace with Felton and Cullen in the morning.
Campbell, who teed off in the back-nine 10, seemed poised to take the outright lead after firing birdies on six and seven but could not break away from the clubhouse leaders after closing with two straight pars.
India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar stayed close to the Australians leaders by returning with a 70 to ensure he remains in the mix as he chases his ninth Asian Tour title at the Fiji International presented by Fiji Airways, which being tri-sanctioned by the Asian Tour European Tour and ISPS HANDA PGA Tour of Australasia again.
The Indian is bunched in equal eighth place together with China’s Wu Ashun, South Africa’s Justin Walters, Fiji’s Sam Lee and Australians Terry Pilkadaris and Lucas Herbert.
Major winner Ernie Els of South Africa and Malaysia’s Gavin Green both signed for a 70 to trail the leaders by five shots with both believing the contest is far from over as they look to renew their title charge on Friday.
Asian Tour Release
