Shaurya Bhattacharya opened with a six-under 66 to take a two-shot lead after the first round of the Vishwa Samudra presents Kapil Dev Invitational Tour Championship powered by NALCO at Jaypee Greens Golf & Spa Resort in Greater Noida.
The 23-year-old, a three-time DP World PGTI winner, birdied his first two holes and went on to make seven birdies in all. His only dropped shot came at the par-four eighth, and he finished with a long birdie putt on the final hole to extend his lead.
Bhattacharya began the week 14th in the Race to DP World India Championship. He has been close to a fourth title this season, finishing joint runner-up at the DP World Players Championship in February and the Kolar Open in August. He credited accurate approach play and patience for keeping his momentum through a long day. The event’s Pro-Am format puts amateurs alongside the professionals in all four rounds, and the large field pushed some groups into floodlit conditions. Bhattacharya said a recent event under lights at the same venue helped him adjust.
Two-time DP World Tour winner Shubhankar Sharma is alone in second at four-under 68, helped by an eagle on the par-five 12th. Sharma won the Boulders Classic in April, ending an eight-year wait for a title.
Jamal Hossain, Dhruv Sheoran and Manoj S share third at two-under 70.
Race leader Saptak Talwar opened with a three-over 75 and is tied 36th.
Photo – Shaurya Bhattacharya / PGTI
