RAWALPINDI, April 25: Akbar Mian played a splendid opening round of 67 to lead among the net scorers while Tariq Mehmood returned a card of par-72 to go on top in the gross section on the first day of the three-day President of Pakistan Cup Golf at Rawalpindi Golf Club on Friday.

Akbar Mian had an handicap of 11 while Tariq Mehmood enjoyed scratch handicap to emerge as leaders respectively in the net and gross categories of the main match which will conclude on Sunday after play over 54 holes.

The net category, reserved for players with handicap 11 and below, will form the basis of awarding the title trophy of the amateurs-only championship.

Mian Tariq Pervez (handicap 10) and Aqib Khan (handicap 11) were tied for the second spot with first rounds of 68 each in the net section.

Khalid Mehmood (74) was two strokes behind the leader Tariq Mehmood in the gross section with third spot shared by Sajid Khan and Salman Abbasi (75 each).

The first round of subsidiary match for handicappers 12 to 18 was also completed on Friday with Zubair Qayyum and Lt. Col. Tariq scoring 77 and 81 respective in the gross category of this event.

Zubair Qayyum also led the way among the gross scorers with 61 while three men shared the second spot with 64 each--Lt. Col. Abid Mehmood, Brig. Waqar M. Khan and Sqd Ldr. Saifullah.

The seniors and ladies events will commence on Saturday.

—APP