March 29, 2003	Saturday	Muharram 25, 1424

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LAHORE, March 28: Islamabad’s Muhammad Munir fired an excellent five-under par 67 to emerge as first day leader of the fifth Faysal Bank golf championship at the Lahore Gymkhana course on Friday.

Under overcast condition, Munir showed terrific form, specially when he was coming back. In all, he earned four birdies besides registering an eagle at the 16th.

Munir completed the first nine hole one-under par 36 with two birdies at the third and the seventh but dropped a stroke on the ninth hole. However, he gave much improved performance at back nine getting birdies at the 15th, the eagle at the 16th and again a birdie at the 17th to return back with four-under par 31.

Unfancied Ghulam Hussain of Lahore Gymkhana impressed the fans by taking the second spot after posting a three-under par 69 (34+35). Ghulam registered six birdies but he missed the chance of at least joining the leader when he dropped three strokes.

He birdied the fourth, sixth, seventh, eight, 11th and the 17th holes but bogeyed the fifth, 13th and the 15th.

At the third position, four contenders were bracketed with the score of two-under 70. Akhtar Ali (Punjab Police 34+36), Joseph John (Gymkhana, 39+31), Muhammad Siddique (Faisalabad, 34+36) and Muhammad Arif (Defence Club, Karachi, 34+36).

Tahir Nasim of Wapda along with Imdad Hussain, Abbas Ali and Manzoor Ahmed are also joint at the fourth position after earning finishing the round one-under 71 each.

A few leading contenders came up with disappointing returns Among them were Shabbir Iqbal, the current Pakistan Open champion, Matloob Ahmed, the defending champion, Muhammad Akram and Mehmood Kayani.

In the amateur section, the defending champion Shahid Javed is leading with the score of two-under par 70 (35+35).

Jamila Jabbar a five handicapper leads in the gross with a round of 78. in the ladies section.

Leading scores: 67- Muhammad Munir (Islamabad). 69- Ghulam Hussain (Lahore Gymkhana). 70- Akhtar Ali, Joseph John, Muhammad Siddique, Muhammad Arif. 71- Tahir Nasim, Imdad Hussain, Abas Ali, Manzoor Ahmed. Amateur: 70-Shahid Javed Khan (Wapda). Ladies: 78-Jameela Jabbar.