Golfer Lahiri at tied-fourth in Macau Open

Ace Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri scored a five-under 66 to be tied fourth at the Macao Open at the Macau Golf and Country Club here on Thursday.

Lahiri, champion here in 2014, had two birdies besides playing a bogey free card of 66. The Bengaluru golfer shared the fourth place with Australia's Marcus Fraser, who made two eagles after suffering an injury scare at the start of his round.

Meanwhile, England's Ian Poulter, who scored seven-under-par 64 to share the first round lead with Spaniard Carlos Pigem, was the only other golfer to play a bogey free card.

Poulter marked his return from a four-month injury layoff to birdie all the par five holes and did not drop a single shot in the $1.1 million Asian Tour tournament.

Pigem, who broke through for his first win in Asia in July, matched Poulter later in the day, thanks to a stunning outward 28 which included five birdies and one eagle.

Thailand's Chapchai Nirat led the chasing pack, with two closing birdies giving him a 65 to finish third.

Among other Indians, Chiragh Kumar was tied sixth and Rahil Gangjee was tied 10th. S.Chikkrangappa, Rashid Khan and Jyoti Randhawa were tied 16th at two-under 69 each, Khalin Joshi and Shankar Das shot 70 each to be tied 28th.

Commenting on his shoulder injury after the match, Lahiri said: "My shoulder is beginning to heal and the nerves are settling down. I'm happy and I'm definitely better physically. When I get to this golf course, I'm in a good place mentally."

"My game has sort of moulded to the golf course. I'm happy with my round, minimised mistakes and didn't hit too many poor shots," he added.

--IANS

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