New Delhi: India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar made an impressive start at the Moutai Singapore Open, finishing the opening round tied for 10th after carding a five under 67 at the Singapore Island Country Club. His round featured seven birdies and two bogeys, placing him three shots behind early leader Jeunghun Wang of South Korea, who fired a superb 64.
Bhullar began steadily with three birdies and two bogeys across his first 12 holes, before finding his rhythm late in the round. Between holes 13 and 17, he produced four birdies in a five hole stretch that lifted him well up the leaderboard. Among the other Indians in the field, Ajeetesh Sandhu and SSP Chawrasia returned matching 70s to stay within reach.
Wang, making the most of the tournament’s return and its first appearance at SICC in 25 years, surged ahead with nine birdies against a single bogey to set the early benchmark. He holds a one shot lead over Thailand’s Kiradech Aphibarnrat and Gunn Charoenkul, along with Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent, all of whom posted 65. Kiradech had been on track to share the lead before a bogey on the final hole.
A group of players are tied just behind them after shooting 66s, including Germany’s Dominic Foos, who recently won the SJM Macao Open, Americans Micah Shin, Ollie Schniederjans and Caleb Surratt, and Thailand’s Nitithorn Thippong.
Wang, once a rising star with three European Tour titles, said he is eager to return to the winner’s circle after nearly eight years. He credited his sharp iron play and strong putting for the low score and said he hopes to build on his recent run of top finishes since completing national service.
Kiradech, the 2013 Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, produced nine birdies despite dropping shots on the first and last holes. Gunn Charoenkul, meanwhile, said he was encouraged by his round as he fights to secure his Tour card after a challenging season marked by health issues and equipment changes.
Zimbabwe’s Kieran Vincent continued his run of good form, benefitting from strong play within his group. Singapore amateur Troy Storm, just 16, impressed with a 67 on his home course, finishing as the highest placed local player despite a bogey on the last hole.
Order of Merit leader Kazuki Higa opened with a 70, while Scott Vincent, who tops The International Series Rankings, shot a 72.
