Chandigarh’s Ajeetesh Sandhu made good use of his opportunities to share the day one Chennai Open lead at the TNGF Cosmo course on Tuesday. Image courtesy DP World PGTI.
By Rahul Banerji
Ajeetesh Sandhu and Stepan Danek shared the first round lead of the Rs 1 crore Chennai Open Powered by Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course on Tuesday.
Chandigarh’s Sandhu and Danek from the Czech Republic fired 7 under par 65s to hold a one-shot lead ahead of a three-way tie for third place, the DP World PGTI said.
Sandhu, a 37-year-old former Asian Tour winner, made eight birdies against a solitary bogey while the 29-year-old Danek returned a flawless card that contained seven birdies.
Chandigarh’s Jairaj Singh Sandhu produced a bogey-free 6 under 66 to share third place with Delhi’s Rashid Khan and Pawan Verma. Rashid, 35, arrived in Chennai after winning the Telangana Open in Vikarabad two weeks ago.
Ajeetesh, a five-time winner on the DP World PGTI, made the most of the scoring opportunities early and late in his round.
His inbound nine included birdies on holes10, 15, 16 and 18 after he found the greenside bunker on the latter two holes.
Cashing in
“It was a good day, and I capitalised on the easier holes,” Ajeetesh said.
“Finishing with birdies on 16 and 18 was particularly satisfying. The fifth and sixth, along with a few of the par threes on the back nine, are more demanding, so you have to negotiate those well.”
Overnight rain softened the course and greens, while preferred lies were in effect. Ajeetesh also drew on his Asian Tour experience to cope with the humid conditions.
“The softer conditions helped, but hydration and nutrition are extremely important in this weather,” he added.
Danek credited his putting and his ability to sustain momentum throughout the round. He also made birdie on every par five.
Stepan Danek of the Czech Republic was flawless over his opening 18 holes in Chennai on Tuesday. Image courtesy DP World PGTI.
Solid foundation
“My putting was very good, and that is always the foundation of my game,” the Czech said.
“I maintained the momentum throughout the round and took advantage of all the par fives. It is encouraging because my game has been developing well over the past three or four weeks.”
Race to the DP World India Championship leader Saptak Talwar opened with a 5 under 67 to share sixth place.
Defending champion N. Thangaraja of Sri Lanka opened his title defence with a 3 under 69 for tied 16th.
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