Bhullar tied 17th after Rd1 of Iskander Johor Open

Johor Bahru: Rising Indian golfer Gaganjeet Bhullar turned in a flawless three-under 69 to grab a share of the 17th spot after the opening round of the Iskander Johor Open here on Thursday.

Bhullar struck three birdies -- one in the front-nine and two in the back-nine -- in a steady performance. Among other Indians in fray, Digvijay Singh and Himmat Rai shared the 39th position after carding identical one-under 71s in the first round. Rahil Gangjee returned an even-par 72 to share the 55th spot. However, the rest of the Indians in fray didn’t have a very good day in office and looked in danger of missing the cut. Vikrant Chopra was tied 95th with a three-over 75 along with veteran Gaurav Ghei. C Muniyappa was a further stroke adrift at tied 112th.Anirban Lahiri and Gaurav Singh were tied 123rd with 77s in the opening round. Australian Marcus Both, Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Padraig Harrington grabbed the lead with identical 64s. PTI