The Masters: Jordan Spieth takes charge; Anirban Lahiri slips to a 76

Jordan Spieth shot an immaculate 66 to take a two shot lead at The Masters

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Anand Datla

April 07, 2016: Defending champion Jordan Spieth put to rest any doubts over his form with an emphatic 66 that brought out some lusty cheers from a growing legion of his fans. As Jordan reached the clubhouse to sign his card, even normally staid green jacket wearing members of the club egged him on joining in the celebration of his excellence. Meanwhile, India’s Anirban Lahiri struggled through a patchy day on the course, posting a forgettable 76.

Laying to rest any lingering questions about form, Spieth played outstanding golf through a spotless first round. Reading the lines like a veteran maestro, Spieth made a bagful of birdies to post the best ever round by a defending champion, emulating the feat of Jose Maria Olazabal in 1995.

Lahiri fought back twice to erase a bogey deficit, but a triple bogey at the par-3 16th hole and his fourth bogey of the day the 17th all but destroyed the spirited Indian’s confidence.

But it is worth remembering that Lahiri has played well under pressure. It could yet bring out the best in him on Friday, if he can forget the first round and make a fresh beginning tomorrow.

Another man who struggled late in the day was Jason Day. After making the turn in 31 shots, he took 41 to cover the second nine.

I’m not too frustrated,” Day said. “It’s not the way I planned it, but I played some really good golf to get to 5-under.”

“If I went 41 on the front and 31 on the back, I’d be celebrating right now.”

“It was only three bad holes, really, in amongst some really good ones,” explained Day, summing up the fact that he was hurt badly from 15 through 17.

Back to Spieth, only three men have successfully defended the Masters title. Tiger Woods, Jack Nicklaus and Nick Faldo.

“It is one of the better rounds I have ever shot,” Spieth told Sky Sports. “Augusta is a place I feel comfortable. I feel you need imagination and you feel like with rich history here it excites you,” he added

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