Hong Kong, 16-10-2014
Jyoti Randhawa’s hot putter propels him into the lead at the Hong Kong Open
Jyoti Randhawa of India holed 23 putts en-route to a six-under-64 to grab the first round lead at the US$1.3 million Hong Kong Open on Thursday.
The 2002 Asian Tour number one said he ‘putted his heart out’ in a round of seven birdies and one bogey to take a one-shot lead over Angelo Que of the Philippines at the Hong Kong Golf Club.
Ernie Els of South Africa, an Honorary Member of the Asian Tour, produced a 66 in his return to Hong Kong after 18 years to share fourth place alongside eight other players.
Jyoti, 42, rediscovered some of his best form courtesy of a hot putter which resulted in two closing birdies at the Fanling course.
“I’ve been playing decent in the last few weeks but haven’t been able to put up a good number. Today I really putted my heart out, so I’m really happy with the way it went, and I’m glad I got the pace on the greens right,” he smiled.
The popular Indian, who has eight Asian Tour victories but not since 2009, says that regular exercise, has helped improve his golf game.
“I’ve been working on my physical fitness with my coach. We’ve been doing a lot of cardio and building my lower body. I changed my swing last year and I’m swinging better because of a more stable lower body. It is still not that strong but I’m working on it,” said Jyoti.
Rahil Gangjee and Shiv Kapur were the next best Indians in tied 27th at two-under-68.
SSP Chowrasia’s one-under-69 placed him joint 44th.
Among the other Indians, Chiragh Kumar (71) was tied 83rd, Jeev Milkha Singh (73) and Rashid Khan (73) were tied 115th, Himmat Rai (74) was tied 130th, Anirban Lahiri (75) and Sujjan Singh (75) were tied 139th.
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