Lahiri, Rai tied 33rd as sub-par card eludes Indians

Samui (Thailand): Anirban Lahiri and Himmat Rai turned in identical rounds of 71s to share the 33rd place

as none of the Indians could lay their hands on a sub-par card on the opening day of the Queen`s Cup golf tournament here today. Kolkata pro Rahil Gangjee and C Muniyappa carded matching one-over 72 to lie tied 49th. Veteran Gaurav Ghei went four-over 75 to be tied 82nd, one stroke ahead of Amandeep Johl, and both risk missing the cut in the USD 300,000 event. Thailand`s s rising star Kiradech Aphibarnrat soared on an eagle`s wing to shoot a six-under 65 and join Korean Lee Sung for the first round lead in the tournament, which is making its Asian Tour debut at the Santiburi Samui Country Club. The eagle on the par-five sixth hole was the highlight of Lahiri`s round, which also included two birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey. Rai`s was a less eventful round featuring three birdies, a double bogey and a bogey. Bureau Report