December 21, 2006	Thursday	Ziqa'ad 29, 1427

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LAHORE, Dec 20: Fine opening round by Siddiq-ur-Rehman and Mohammad Milon Ahmed helped Bangladesh emerged as first day leaders with a score of 144 in the 8th SAARC golf championship at the Lahore Gymkhana course on Wednesday.

Siddiq-ur-Rehman played a steady round of 71 (33 out and 38 in) with birdies on 8th, 9th, 13th holes and bogies on 10th, 11th and 14th holes. Milon was fairly impressive with a round of 73.

Besides Pakistan and Bangladesh, teams from Nepal and Sri Lanka are also participating in the event.

K. A. Prabagran and Mithun Perera of Sri Lanka played rounds of 72 and 74 respectively to be at second place.

Nepal claimed third place due to improved performance by Ravi Khadka, who played a round of 71. He had five birdies on 2nd, 6th, 7th, 10th and 11th holes. He registered bogey at 4th, 13th, 12th and 14th.

Sanjay Lama, played a rather sluggish round of 76.

The hosts Pakistan displayed poor form to grab fourth position with 149. Pakistan's main hope Vaqas Ahmed was a miserable disappointment but upcoming Aadil Jahangir played reasonably well and so did Ali Hai.

However, Pakistan ladies team claimed the top slot.

Jamila Jabbar and Tahira Nazir had an aggregate score of 170.

Nepal team comprising Shastika Shrestha and Keoang Lama was at second place with 195 while Bangladesh comprising Shaheen Khan and Fatema Fahman was third.