Chennai, Sept 10: Monish Bindra, struggling with his form since the beginning of the new season, got into his rhythm at the right time, shooting a career-best six-under par 66 to take the first day's honours at the Hindu Open Golf 2003 here today. Unsung heroes Jumman and Gast Ram stole the limelight occupying the second and third position respectively. While the stocky golfer from Lucknow shot a four-under 68, Gast Ram submitted a card of three-under 69.

Five other professionals, Rahul Ganapathy, Sandeep Syal, Rajiv Kumar, Rafiq Ali and R Murthy shared the fourth spot with a total of 70 with amateur Gurunath Meiyappan joining them. Bindra, beginning from the 10th, played solid golf. The 30-year-old delhi pro made a birdie on the 12th and had a good drive on the par-4 385-yard 15th which left him to work with just a sand-wedge for a five-foot birdie.

On the return journey, the Indian Airlines sponsored pro began with a birdie and went even better on the par-5 472-yard second hole. Reaching the green with a drive-7 iron shot, Bindra sank a 14-footer for an eagle. Bureau Report