KARACHI, Aug 26: Pakistan Navy’s Shabbir Iqbal and Abbas Ali of Lahore Gymkhana fired four-under-par 68 to steal the limelight on the opening day of the 5th Sindh Open golf championship at the Arabian Sea Country Club on Friday.
Demonstrating superb control in windy conditions, Shabbir and Abbas led the pack of 80 golfers with an outstanding performance. Shabbir made five birdies and Abbas four.
Despite difficult conditions as many as 13 golfers played under-par rounds in the 54-hole competition carrying Rs500,000 prize money.
Five golfers were tied at the second slot with three under 69 including defending champion Muhammad Munir and two strokes adrift were six more players.
Among the amateurs reigning champion Muhammad Ali Hai enjoyed a good first round, playing one-over 73 while Taimur Hasan was placed second at four-over 76