Five-Way Tie in Indian Open


A quintet of players carded 6-under 65s to share the opening round lead in the Hero Indian Open. The European Tour event got underway Thursday at Delhi Golf Club.

The group includes India's SSP Chawrasia, Canada's Richard T Lee, Thailand's Chapchai Nirat, Bangladeshi Siddikur Rahman and Swede Joakim Lagergren.

Chawrasia, a two-time winner on the tour, was pleased with his start to the tournament in his home country. "I've played here many times so I know how to play this course. Richard was playing well as well so it was fun to play with him," he told the Tour's website.

"This is my national Open and all the Indian golfers enjoy playing in this event. I'm not thinking too much on the course, I'm just enjoying myself. All my family and friends are here so that's nice; I'm playing well and I have good memories here.

"It wasn't very windy in the morning so that made things easier. The wind started to pick up after a few holes but I'm used to playing in these conditions."

The Toronto-born Lee, who now lives in Arizona, has been playing in many settings recently, having finished fourth in Thailand last week and fifth in Malaysia the week before.

"It takes a little time to get used to playing so many different courses and conditions. I played great in Malaysia and Thailand but the challenge there was so different. Here it's tight and bouncy so to play well here after the last two weeks is pretty satisfying," he said.

"I have played here for the last two years though, so I definitely knew what to expect from this golf course. It was great to play with SSP today because not many guys have played as well as he has round here. He has won twice here and I have to say I learned a lot about managing this course by watching him hit certain shots today."

Sri Lanka's Mithun Perera and Australian Kalem Richardson posted 67s for a share of sixth, while seven players opened with 68s.

Americans Paul Peterson and John Hahn shot 69 and 70, respectively. Miguel Angel Jiménez opened with a 71.

For all the scores, visit http://www.europeantour.com/europeantour/season=2015/tournamentid=2015012/leaderboard/index.html?showLeaderboard=Y.