KARACHI, Dec 26: Muhammad Akhtar of Islamabad fired four under-par 68 to take lead in the professional on the opening day of Pakistan Caltex Open Golf Championship at Karachi Golf Club (KGC) on Thursday.

Showing brilliance, Akhtar carded 31 at front nine and 37 at back including six birdies to dominate the pack of 69 golfers in rupees one million event.

Jamal Badshah, a Pakistani now living in Turkey, occupying the second spot a stroke behind the leader with three under-par 69, making four birdies.

Muhammad Sultan of Lahore Gymkhana was lurking in third spot with a steady round of two under-par 70.

Following are top ten after the first round:

1. Muhammad Akhtar (Isb) 68 2. Jamal Badshah (Tky) 69 3. M.Sultan (Gym) 70 4. Mumtaz Abbas (KGC) 71 5. Ijaz Gul (KGC) 71 6. Saleem Inayat (KGC) 71 7. Muhammad Munir (Isb) 72 8. Imran Khan (Thai) 72 9. Abbas Ali (Gym) 72 10. Muhammad Javed (Gym) 72 11. Imdad Hussain (LGC) 72.—APP