Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
Rabat, Jun 12: India's Gaganjeet Bhullar emerged as the best-placed Indian after the opening round of the International Series Morocco, carding a three-under 70 despite a mixed day at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam in Rabat.
Bhullar looked set for a much lower score after producing an impressive front nine that included four birdies in five holes, reaching four-under at the turn. However, a series of bogeys on the back nine slowed his momentum before a closing birdie helped him finish the day tied for 18th place.
The 11-time Asian Tour winner is the highest-ranked among the 10 Indian golfers competing in the USD 2 million event and remains within striking distance of the leaders heading into the second round.
Thailand's Pavit Tangkamolprasert set the early pace with a superb eight-under 65, securing a two-shot lead. He was followed by Australia's Travis Smyth and South Korea's Younghan Song, who shared second place after rounds of 67.
Among the other Indians, Karandeep Kochhar, Shaurya Bhattacharya, SSP Chawrasia and Ajeetesh Sandhu all signed for one-under 72 to sit tied for 40th.
India's lone LIV Golf representative, Anirban Lahiri, opened with an even-par 73 and was placed tied for 60th.
Further down the leaderboard, Rashid Khan carded 75, while Shubham Jaglan returned 76. Aryan Roopa Anand and Udayan Mane struggled with rounds of 80 and 83 respectively, leaving them with significant work to do to make the cut.
Bhullar's round featured a strong surge midway through the day. After opening with four consecutive pars, he birdied the fifth hole and then added three more birdies in succession to reach four-under. Another gain on the 12th briefly lifted him to five-under before bogeys on the 13th, 15th and 17th holes pulled him back. A final birdie ensured he ended the round on a positive note.
Kochhar also endured a roller-coaster opening round. After starting with three consecutive bogeys, he bounced back brilliantly with four straight birdies before eventually settling for a one-under score.
Among the international stars in the field, American golfer Andy Ogletree produced a late charge to post a five-under 68, while defending champion Scott Vincent opened with a three-under 70.
LIV Golf names also featured prominently, with Bubba Watson carding a four-under 69, while Sergio Garcia endured a difficult day and finished with a two-over 74.
With three rounds still to play, Bhullar remains India's strongest contender as he looks to challenge the leaders and add another significant result to his distinguished Asian Tour career.