October 4, 2013. Rahil Gangjee and Shiv Kapur were the best Indians, tied 18th with cards of one-over 73 each in the opening round of the USD 600,000 Mercuries Taiwan Masters.
Gaganjeet Bhullar, who won two titles on Asian Tour last season, and Himmat Rai carded 74 each to be tied 35th.
While, the much hopeful, Anirban Lahiri (79) could not live up to the expectation and was far below the line of projected cut tied 95th along with compatriots, Ajeetesh Sandhu(76) on 61st, C Muniyappa (81) was 110th and Sujjan Singh (82) was 115th at the finish of Thursday’s play.
Australia’s Scott Hend took advantage of the blustery conditions by posting a three-under 69 to take the first round lead.
American, Sam Cyr and Finland are Kalle Samooja, were among the early pace setters in the morning, and took a share of second place with their matching 70s alongside Australian rookie David Lutterus.
Gangjee had three birdies against four bogeys, while Kapur had as many as six birdies, but also gave away five bogeys and one double bogey.
Bhullar had four birdies, but faltered by a quadruple bogey on par-4 11th.
Thailand’s Prayad Marksaeng, a seven-time Asian Tour winner, took a share of fifth place with Australia’s Adam Groom on 71 while reigning merit champion Thaworn Wiratchant signed for a 72 to be bunched with 10 other players on equal seven at the richest Asian Tour event to be staged in Chinese Taipei this season.
The challenging condition on the course remained with the gusty winds posing hurdle to many of the players at the Taiwan Golf and Country Club, Hend showed he was equal to the task with another assured performance.
