Chowrasia best Indian after first round at Dunhill Links

St. Andrews: SSP Chowrasia was the best of the three Indians at the end of the first round as he carded three-under 69 at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship here today.

Playing at Kingsbarns on the first day, Chowrasia had an eagle on the first and birdies on ninth, 12th, 13th and 16th and a bogey came on 11th. He also had a double bogey on 15th. He was lying 57th after the first round. The other two Indians -- Jeev Milkha Singh (71) at Carnoustie and Gaganjeet Bhullar (72) at St. Andrews -- were way behind. The tournament sees the first three rounds being played at St. Andrews, Carnoustie and Kingbarns after which the cut is applied and the final round is played at St. Andrews. Tom Lewis and Oliver Wilson were amongst a five-strong group setting the early pace on an unusually benign opening day. The English duo, who are both on the comeback trail after enduring testing times of late, shot rounds of 64 to share the lead on eight under par with their compatriot Richard McEvoy, France`s Alex Kaleka and Chile`s Mark Tullo, all of whom were competing here. Jamie Donaldson shone brightest at the third fabled venue hosting this week`s USD 5 million showpiece, the Welshman taking advantage of the calm conditions at Carnoustie to post a seven under par round of 65. PTI