ISLAMABAD, May 16: Professional Shabbir Iqbal of Navy swept into the lead on the opening day of the President of Pakistan Open Gold Medal Golf Championship with a score of seven under par 65 at the Islamabad Club course.

Shabbir who struck six birdies was followed closely by Muhammad Nazir who was a stroke behind with six under 66 while Ansar Mahmood, another Navy golfer occupied third spot scoring 67.

Nazir had an eagle and five birdies as he stayed close on the heels of Shabbir. Ansar on the other hand hit two eagles and a birdie to finish the day in an encouraging position.

A stroke adrift was Lahore Garrison’s Imdad Hussain with four under par 68 followed by Muhammad Munir of the host club who was on 69.

As many as 62 professionals and 68 amateurs having handicap of 12 and below teed off in the morning.

Islamabad’s Nawaz Bhatti a 12 handicapper led the amateur net competition with a net score of 65.

He was followed by Faisal Jamil (handicap 11) also a local golfer at net 66 while seasoned Taimur Hassan was net 68.

Taimur, however was in front in the gross competition with a score of 67, his closest rival being Vaqas Ahmed who trailed four strokes behind.

Rawalpindi golfer Saeemur Rehman and Daniyal Jahangir of Lahore Gymkhana were both tied at 76 for third place.

On Saturday, the tournament that is sponsored by Dupont Pakistan Limited will see the start of ladies, seniors and juniors competitions.

Leading scorers (professionals):

Shabbir Iqbal (Navy) 65, Muhammad Nazir (Ufone) 66, Ansar Mahmood (Navy) 67, Imdad Hussain (Lhr Garr) 68, Muhammad Munir (Isb) 69, Muhammad Arif (DHA Khi), Mohsin Afzal (Lhr Gym), Ghulam Hussain (Isb), Azhar Shah (Isb), Ghaffar Ahmed (Rwp) 70, Abbas Ali (Lhr Gym), Muhammad Akram (Lhr Gym) 71, Pervez Akhtar (Isb), Waheed Baloch (KGC), Manzoor Ahmed (Lhr Gym), Naseer Khan (PSW) 72.

Amateur net: Nawaz Bhatti (Isb) 65, Faisal Jamil (Isb) 66, Taimur Hassan 68, Saleemur Rehman (Rwp) 69, Daniyal Jahangir (Lhr Gym) 69, Cmdr. Altaf Habib (Khi), Shehryar Khan (Isb) 70.