Chawrasia starts solid; Uihlein takes lead in Thailand

Indian golfers SSP Chawrasia, Chiragh Kumar and Himmat Rai shot identical cards of four-under 68 on the opening day to make a solid start at the True Thailand Classic golf tournament here today.
But the day's honours were to American Peter Uihlein, who produced a scintillating eight-under 64 with nine birdies and one bogey to take a one-shot first round lead at Black Mountain Golf Club.
Chawrasia, Chiragh and Himmat were tied 14th, while Arjun Atwal was Tied-27th at three-under 68. Shiv Kapur and Rashid Khan opened the week with 70 each in Tied 41st, but Rahil Gangjee (72) in Tied-80th and Gaganjeet Bhullar (73) and Jeev Milkha Singh (73) needed solid second round scores to ensure weekend action.

Chawrasia was impressive at five-under through 16 holes after starting from the 10th, but he then overshot the green on 17th and missed an up-and-down for his lone bogey of the day.
Chawrasia said, "It was a good round, I hit it well and my putting was also good. Overall I played good today. I think it was windier in the afternoon and much tougher than the morning session. That was the difference. I'm hitting it really good and made a few putts.
"I don't think it's a long hitters' course. It's long but a few holes are also short. It's got a good mix of holes. I've played here every year and I always play well. I don't finish on low numbers but I am normally good around here. I like this course."

He also said, "I've started well and I'll keep those positive thoughts in my mind. I made a good birdie on two, holed a tough putt from left to right from 10 feet. I'm feeling comfortable. Everything feels positive. Now that I've shot an under par start, I'm going to try to build on in and keep staying positive."

Uihlein, 26, who is playing here this week and in Hero Indian Open for two weeks in Asia, is fresh from a tied eighth and equal fourth finish in his last two starts. He had nine birdies and one bogey.
Sweden's Pelle Edberg dropped two bogeys over his closing three holes to settle for a 65 while Scotsman Scott Jamieson and Spaniard Javier Colomo carded 66s in the USD 1.75 million event co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour and European Tour.

Asia's leading performers were upcoming Hsieh Chi-hsien of Chinese Taipei and Thailand's Pariya Junhasavasdikul, who returned 67s while hometown hero Prom Meesawat and Filipino Angelo Que were amongst those bunched on 68s.
After opening with two birdies from the 10th tee, Uihlein dropped his lone bogey on 12, which subsequently sparked his birdie run.