Zaandvoort (The Netherlands): Shiv Kapur endured a tough day in the first round of the Dutch Open here, faltering on the back nine to shoot a four-over 75 in wet and windy conditions.

The Indian is playing the event on a sponsor’s exemption and is trying to gain valuable experience on the European Tour during the summer break in Asia. Christian Cevear and Anders Hansen shared the first round lead with cards of six-under 65.

Kapur started on the first and dropped a shot on the third, but a birdie on fifth brought him level. However, a bogey on ninth meant he turned in one over, and another on 12th and a double bogey on the par-four 15th and is tied for 123rd place. He has a lot of work to do in Round II to make the cut.

Defending champion Gonzalo Fernandez Castano had a four-over 75 as he double-bogeyed the second hole and had a string of bogeys on the back nine. Colin Montgomerie finished at 70.

Asian Tour member Simon Dyson of England enjoyed a good start with a 67 and is tied fifth, two shot off the lead. Australian David Bransdon is a further stroke back, while Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee carded an even par round for a share of 51st place. (PTI)