UMA-CNS Open: Two golfers share lead after day one

Tantipokhakul, Baig on top with scores of five-under-par (67)

KARACHI: Thailand’s Namchok Tantipokhakul and Ahmed Baig were leading after day one with five-under-par (67) at the UMA-CNS Open Asian Tour Golf Championship which is underway at the Karachi Golf Club (KGC).

The Thai golfer struck eight birdies and three bogeys to end day one at the top of the leaderboard, while Baig hit six birdies and one bogey.

He is followed by Philippines’ James Ryan Lam, Thailand’s Pawin Ingkhapradit, Pakistan’s top golfer Muhammad Shabbir and India’s Honey Baisoya as all scored four-under-par (68).

Shabbir scored five birdies on the fifth, seventh, 12th, 13th and 17th hole with a single bogey on the ninth hole.

The top 10 on the opening day includes Pakistan’s Shahid Javed Khan, Muhammad Munir and Sunny Masih with three-under-par (69).

The leader of day one while talking to The Express Tribune said that it was a good opening day but not exactly what he was aiming. “I wanted to score more birdies. Also the bogeys went wrong, I wasn’t expecting those,” he said adding that no number of birdies are enough for a golfer.

Talking about the weather conditions and the wind he said: “It is hot but there is less wind as compared to Thailand which is a good point. It is easier to play here, so I am hoping for a better show in the second round tomorrow. The local players are also playing really well and they can come up in the second round, but I will do my best to maintain the top position.”

Meanwhile, Shabbir said that the quality of players is quite high. “Playing with international players is always a pleasure,” he said. “I am just one stroke behind the leader which I can make up for in the second round. I am hoping for the best.”