February 29, 2008	Friday	Safar 21, 1429

GURGAON (India), Feb 28: Indian journeyman Shamim Khan was left speechless on Thursday after carding five-under-par 67 to share the first-round lead at the elite Johnnie Walker Classic.

Khan, with a rock-bottom world ranking of 1,377, outshone a glittering field to set the pace alongside Argentina’s Daniel Vancsik in the 2.5-million-dollar showpiece.

“I’m really happy that in a star-studded field, I’m at the top of the leader board,” said Khan, 29. “I can’t explain it in words.”

World number five Adam Scott and India’s Jeev Milkha Singh suffered late lapses to join a group one shot back on four-under-par 68, while triple major winner Vijay Singh was three off the lead on 70.

“It was very disappointing,” grumbled Fiji’s Singh. “I hit the ball really good but didn’t putt particularly well and threw away a few shots.”

However, 2005 champion Scott was upbeat about his performance at the par-72 DLF Golf and Country Club, which was flawless until a double-bogey water shot at the par-three 16th.

“I’m very pleased with how I played today,” said the Australian favourite, who knocked in six birdies.

“Played very well, one poor shot but I don’t think that it really spoilt the round. I was very pleased with everything.”

But there was disaster for flamboyant Englishman Ian Poulter, who hit three double-bogeys in four holes before battling back to four-over 76.

Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie, who is vying to reach the world top 50 ahead of April’s US Masters, had a disappointing 74, while Spain’s Miguel Angel Jimenez finished three over.

Khan’s heroics capped a strong Indian showing with Rahil Gangjee, Arjun Atwal, Shiv Kapur and Arjun Singh all within two of the lead alongside Jeev Milkha Singh.—AFP