Ajeetesh Sandhu and Stepan Danek fired seven-under 65s to share the opening-round lead at the Chennai Open 2026 at TNGF Cosmo Golf Course.

Sandhu, the 37-year-old former Asian Tour winner from Chandigarh, produced eight birdies against a lone bogey at the par-four 12th. He took advantage of the softer conditions following overnight rain and finished strongly with birdies at the 16th and 18th despite finding greenside bunkers on both holes.

“It was a good day, and I capitalised on the easier holes,” said Ajeetesh, a five-time winner on the DP World PGTI. “Finishing with birdies on the 16th and 18th was particularly satisfying.”

The Chandigarh golfer added that managing the more demanding holes and staying hydrated in Chennai’s humid conditions would be important through the week.

Danek joined him at the top with a bogey-free round featuring seven birdies. The 29-year-old Czech, now in his third season on the DP World PGTI, made a birdie on each of the four par-fives.

“My putting was very good, and that is always the foundation of my game,” Danek said. “I maintained the momentum and took advantage of all the par-fives.”

Jairaj Singh Sandhu also went bogey-free, shooting 66 to share third with Delhi’s Rashid Khan and Pawan Verma. Rashid arrived in Chennai after winning the Telangana Open in Vikarabad two weeks earlier.

Race to the DP World India Championship leader Saptak Talwar opened with a 67 to share sixth, while defending champion N Thangaraja of Sri Lanka began with a 69 and was tied 16th.

The season-long race will determine the DP World PGTI’s No. 1 player, with the top 24 on the Order of Merit earning places in the DP World India Championship.

Photo – PGTI