Chandigarh, Apr 22: Defending champion Harmeet Kahlon was tied fifth along with Kolkata's Pritam Saikia at four-under 68.
Chowrasia, another leading title contender, started off in grand style with a par followed by birdies on the second fourth, fifth and sixth.
Karnataka Golf Association sponsored Muniyappa had birdies on the third, fifth, 11th, 12th and 13th.
"I missed short birdie putts on the 14th, 16th and 17th," said Muniyappa, who finished second at the Cosmo-TNGF Open earlier this season.
Scores (after 18 holes): 67 - Mukesh Kumar, Shiv Shankar Prasad Chowrasia, C Muniyappa; 68 - Harmeet Kahlon, Pritam Saikia; 69 - Randhir Ghotra; 70 - Amandeep Johl, Uttam Mundy, Gurbaaz Mann Binod Pandey, amateurs: 66 - Harinder Gupta, 74 - Sagar Bhatia.


Bureau Report