Taipei: Chirag Kumar is the star at the TPC Yeandor this year, coming off a long off-season following struggles with injuries and form. He opened the tournament with a solid four-under 68 that gave him a share of third place at the end of the first round in Taipei including an eagle on the 18th.
Chirag, 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.
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.
The 29-year-old, who came into prominence when he finished second at the 2011 Indian Open, said, “At the start of the day I just told myself to grind it out because I was sick. That kind of helped because I wasn’t trying anything extra. I think it kind of paid off. I don’t have the energy to practice so I’m going to take the bus and rest.”
“I was very patient. I missed a lot of putts but stayed patient after missing those putts. It is really hard to read the greens here. I didn’t let that affect me at all. It was a good long off-season. I took a holiday and practiced after that.
“I wouldn’t want to blame on anything but I didn’t play too well last year. I have been struggling with an injury in my right ankle. Because of the injury, I couldn’t give it a 100 per cent when I wanted to. I had to miss a few events also. I’m not a 100 per cent healed yet but it seems that I’m getting better. My ankle is not hurting right now,” he added.
Leader Thitiphun’s playing partner Kim Gi-hwan of Korea was flawless in a round of 67 while Asian Tour rookie Sam Brazel of Australia and Chiragh returned with identical 68s at the USD 500,000 Asian Tour event.
