LAHORE, Sept 19: Shahid Javed Khan emerged as first day leader with a fine card of four-under-par-68 in Lahore Gymkhana Open golf championship on Tuesday. Teeing off from number 10 hole, he completed the back nine with 35 strokes while birdying at the 10th, 11th and 16th. With as many birdies on the front nine, (1st, 3rd, 6th), Shahid romped home. Shahid had one bogey each on back and front.

Shahid exhibited some real aggressive shots on the par 4's and 5's and his the efforts helped him secure the top slot after the first 18 holes.

Shahid, however, still has a challenge from other prominent participants of the three-day event as they also returned impressive cards. Imdad Hussain and Akhter Ali are only one-stroke behind the leader.

Seeing his first day performance, Imdad is a strong candidate for the title.

Had he not triple bogie on the 14th hole, his good number of seven birdies could have given him the top position on first day.

He scored birdies on 1st, 3rd, 5th, 6th, 7th, 15th and the 16th.

Amongst the professionals, a few others who played well are two-under-par- 70, Talib Hussain and M. Siddique.

The others who were bracketed at 71 are Matloob Ahmed, Fida Hussain, Yasyaa Habib and Lateeb Masih.

Six names which appeared at par 72 are Aashir Hanif, Afzal Mohsin, M. Akram, M. Sajid, Chanzeb and M. Munir.

In the amateur event, Salman Jahangir is placed on top with a par round of 72 followed by his elder brother Aadil Jahangir, who is four strokes behind at 76. Murad A. Khan is at 77.

In all, 70 professionals and 28 amateurs are competing in the contest.