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| Gaganjeet Bhullar |
Kuala Lumpur: Gaganjeet Bhullar, who has bagged two titles in the last six weeks, on Thursday carded a stunning six-under 65 on the opening day of the star-studded CIMB Classic here.
Bhullar’s 65 was one better than 14-time Major winner, Tiger Woods (66). The Indian was two shots behind leader Troy Matteson of the US who carded 63, to be at tied fifth.
Woods was hot on the back nine with five-under 31 after a modest even par front nine.
Anirban Lahiri, India’s other big hope, shot even par 71 with five birdies, three bogeys and a double to be tied 38th.
Bhullar riding a purple streak of birdie-birdie-par-eagle from 14th to 17th was four-under 32 for the back nine, after being two-under 33 for the first stretch at the Mines Resort and Golf Club.
He sank an eagle and five birdies in the $6.1 million tournament sanctioned by the Asian Tour and PGA Tour.
Bhullar nearly matched playing partner Robert Garrigus of the US, who returned a superb 64.
“This is my first visit to the CIMB (Classic)... I have been wanting to play in this event. It is my pleasure to be in the part of the field where Tiger Woods is playing. We just enjoyed our 18 holes. He (Garrigus) shot a good round today, and I also played good. I’m looking forward to the next three days,” said Bhullar.
Bhullar made three birdies through eight holes before dropping his lone bogey of the day on nine.
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