Jeev, Kapur struggle in HSBC Golf

Abu Dhabi: Indian duo of Jeev Milkha Singh and Shiv Kapur today struggled on the first day of the Abu

Dhabi HSBC Golf Championships as they carded identical 75 and were in danger of missing the cut in the first leg of the Middle East swing of the European Tour. Jeev, who played the Royal Trophy in Thailand two weeks ago in the season opener, failed to hit any birdie in his 75, while Kapur found his solitary birdie as late as the 17th hole. They were at tied 95th and will need to improve in the second round to make the week-end cut. South African Charl Schwartzel dominated the opening day. Schwartzel, who retained the Joburg Open title last week, has been in top-four in his last four starts, the first four events of the 2011 season and is leading the Race to Dubai standings. The World Number 23 who flew in here on Monday after winning in Johannesburg, had nine birdies and one bogey in his 64, which would have been even better but for the 17th hole bogey. One behind is Padraig Harrington, who is coming into the season after making some changes to his game. He shot a bogey-free seven under par 65 with five birdies and an eagle on par-5 eighth in his first event of the season. Lying third after rounds of 66 were Swede Alexander Noren and US Open Champion and Ryder Cup hero Graeme McDowell, who in a spectacular run birdied the last five holes for an inward 30. The event has a star-studded field including all four current Major champions, Masters Tournament winner Phil Mickelson who marked his Middle East debut with a 71 including two birdies. PTI