13 March 2004	Saturday	21 Muharram 1425

LAHORE, March 12: Imdad Husain fired an impressive four under-par-68 card to emerge as the first day's leader of the 24th Punjab Open golf championship in professional category at the Lahore Garrison course on Friday.

Imdad, a seasoned golfer, held on to his position among the top professionals as top four position holders have a difference of just one stroke, each.

Imdad, after completing the first nine holes at one under-par- 35, improved it further at the back nine with three under-par-33.

A stroke away at 69, Shabbir Iqbal was the biggest challenge for Imdad. Shabbir was unimpressive at the start as he finished the first journey with one-over-37. However, he was unstoppable in the back, saving four strokes to finish at four under-32.

Muhammad Munir was at the third spot with two-under-70. He completed in and out journey with identical score of one-under-35.

Seven golfers were placed at one-under-71 at the fourth position. They are Irfan Mahmood, Amjad Yousuf, Sajjad Khan, Muhammad Nazir, Matloob Ahmad, Abbas Ali and Mohammad Akram.

Sixty professionals took part in the event but their number had been reduced to 50 as 10 players failed to qualify for the second day's play due to their poor score.

In the amateur section, Dr Aimal Zaman (Peshawar) was leader with one-under-71 (36+35).

Shahid Javed was two strokes away at the second slot with one- over-73 (37+36).

At third spot Aleemur Rehman and Muhammad Safdar were tied with identical score of two-over-74. Aleem, 15, is a 12 handicap player but played like a champion.

Results:

Professionals: 68-Imdad Husain 69-Shabbir Iqbal 70-M Munir 71-Irfan Mahmood, Amjad Yousaf, Sajjad Khan, Muhammad Nazir, Matloob Ahmad, Abbas Ali, Muhammad Akram.

Amateur: 71-Dr Aimal Zaman. 73-Shahid Javed. 74-Muhammad Safdar, Aleemur Rehman.