Queenstown, New Zealand, February 27: It was a disappointing day for the Indians, as only Shiv Kapur and Khalin Joshi shot even par 71 each in the opening round of the 101st New Zealand Open presented by Sky Sport on Thursday.
Korea’s Joohyung Kim, who pipped Kapur to win his maiden Asian Tour title at the Panasonic Open last year in India, underlined his growing stature as he took the opening round lead with a seven-under-par 64. Kapur and Joshi were T-44th.
Among other Indians Ajeetesh Sandhu and Viraj Madappa shot one-over 72 each to be T-60th. Aman Raj and Chiragh Kumar carded 74 each and were T-105th.
Kapur was three-over after seven, but did well to get back even par by the end of the day, while Joshi had two birdies and two bogeys in his 71.
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Australia’s Ben Eccles, who received a late entry after being a reserve for the tournament, also showed his good form by signing for a 65 to share second place with compatriots Wade Ormsby and Brad Kennedy.
It was a welcome return to form for Ormsby, who currently leads the Asian Tour Order of Merit. The three-time Asian Tour winner got his season off to a good start with his win in Hong Kong but missed consecutive cuts in his last three events on the European Tour.
Kim had six birdies, an eagle on 10th and just one bogey on 12th.
Kim won three times on the Asian Development Tour (ADT) to earn his promotion to the Asian Tour in 2019. He then went on to clinch his breakthrough victory in India last November to become the second youngest professional player to win on the Asian Tour at 17 years and 149 days. Defending champion Zach Murray of Australia posted an opening 68 at the Millbrook Resort to stay four shots back of Kim in a share of 11th place.
Kim said, “I’m really enjoying myself as a professional golfer. Being only 17, traveling and playing in tournaments like the New Zealand Open, it’s really a huge honour.“
