Veer Ahlawat was the best-placed Indian after the opening round of the Challenge de Catalunya, carding a 1-under 71 to sit tied-89th, while Saptak Talwar endured a nightmare day and slipped to 155th.

Ahlawat’s round was a mixed one featuring six birdies, three bogeys and a double bogey. Despite the setbacks, the Delhi golfer managed to finish under par after a strong birdie run kept him in touch with the field.

Talwar, meanwhile, struggled heavily throughout the day and returned a 14-over 86. His round included just one birdie along with three bogeys, two double bogeys, a triple bogey and a damaging quintuple bogey on the sixth hole.

American Canon Claycomb grabbed the first-round lead with a sparkling 9-under 63 that featured an eagle, eight birdies and a lone bogey.

Frank Kennedy sat one shot behind in second after a flawless bogey-free 8-under 64.