2006 Indian Open - Round 1: Kumar climbs into lead

Vijay Kumar, one of the most prolific winners of titles in India, took a share of the clubhouse lead in the first round of the US$400,000 Hero Honda Indian Open at Delhi Golf Club on Thursday.

The Indian golfer, winner of this event in 2002 at the same venue, shot a six-under-par 66 along with Scotland's Simon Dunn.

A two hour and 20 minute rain delay at the start of the day meant 66 players were unable to complete their first round. Filipino Gerald Rosales was the only player left on the course who looked likely to make a move lying at four under with three to play.

Korean Suk Jong-yul, New Zealand's Brad Iles, and Australians Scott Strange and Michael Wright all shot 67s.

The 38-year-old Kumar delighted local fans with an impressive start to what is his country's 43rd national Open. He fired seven birdies and dropped just one shot.

"The course was playing tough and I knew even the slightest mistake could prove to be costly. I did not really go for any birdies as such, as I wanted to play well and post a decent score on the first day. Second shots and putting were key today," said Kumar.

Kumar has won over 50 titles in India and was the nation's number one ranked golfer in 1998, 1999, and 2000.

"The good second shots I hit meant that I did not have too many putts from more than 10 feet. My longest birdie was from 15 feet on the 18th, which was a good way to finish the day. I started with a birdie and ended with a birdie. It is only the first day and there is three more days to go, so no point in thinking ahead," added the Indian, who is from Lucknow located 400 km east of Delhi.

Dunn joined Kumar at the top of the leaderboard thanks to an eagle on the par five 18th, where he hit a five iron to 25 feet.

The Scot finished in third place in last week's Volkswagen Masters-China, which was won by South African Retief Goosen, a great result considering he is still recovering from the death of his father who suffered a heart attack in August.

"Up until last week I have had a terrible year. Apart from that I only made one other cut all year. I was able to turn things around though as I started hitting a fade in the summer as opposed to hitting it right to left and my short game has been coming along. I know exactly what shot shape I am going to hit every time now which is especially vital on this course," said Dunn, who has been a professional for three years.

"I played some mini tours events in the summer and played well in August but then my father passed away so I didn't play very much golf at all for the last two months," added the Scott.

Englishman Simon Dyson showed the kind of form which has seen him win twice in Europe this year by posting a 68. Dyson, who claimed the joint sanctioned Indonesian Open and Dutch Open this year, eagled his penultimate hole but was disappointed to bogey the last.

"I hit the ball nicely down the fairways and hit some good approach shots. I made some up and downs which were nice too. I hit the ball solid really. I am striking it good and hitting my irons lovely. I just know I have to get myself in position off the tee and if I do that I will give myself plenty of birdie chances," said Dyson.

Northern Ireland's Graeme McDowell and Scotland's Andrew Coltart carded 74s while defending champion Thaworn Wiratchant shot a disappointing 76.

Players unable to finish their first round today will restart at 6.50am on Friday morning.

ENDS

Leading first round scores

66 - Vijay Kumar (IND), Simon Dunn (SCO)
67 - Suk Jong-yul (KOR), Scott Strange (AUS), Michael Wright (AUS)
Brad Iles (NZL)
68 - Rick Gibson (CAN), Simon Dyson (ENG), Prom Meesawat (THA)
Vivek Bhandari (IND)
69 - Wisut Artjanawat (THA), Chiragh Kumar [A] (IND), S.S.P. Chowrasia (IND)
Chapchai Nirat (THA), Jyoti Randhawa (IND), Yasin Ali (ENG)
70 - Yusuf Ali (IND), Mukesh Kumar (IND), Mahal Pearce (NZL), Pat Giles (AUS)
Muhammed Munir (PAK), Firoz Ali (IND), Harinder Gupta (IND)
71 - Mark Mouland (WAL), Gaurav Ghei (IND), Digvijay Singh (IND),Tony Carolan (AUS), David Gleeson (AUS), R. Srinivas (IND), Barry Hume (SCO), Mohd Islam (IND)
72 - Jochen Lupprian (GER), Naman Dawer (IND), Park Jun-won (KOR)
73 - Rafiq Ali (IND), Mike Cunning (USA), Scott Barr (AUS),Gaurav Diwan (IND)

October 19, 2006

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