KARACHI, July 13: Adil Jehangir of Gymkhana, who turned pro three years back, together with Shahid Javed of Royal Palm Golf Club, emerged as co-leaders in the Open category after first round of fourth Independence Day Cup Open Golf Championship at Defence Authority Country and Golf Club on Friday.

Both the golfers from Lahore shot two under 70 to lead the pack by one stroke.

Imran Ali Khan of the DHA is placed second with one under 71 while five players including defending champion Shabbir Iqbal are tied in the third position after playing a par round of 72.

Besides Shabbir, other four includes Asher Masif, Waheed Baloch, Mohammad Siddiq and Mohammad Afzal.

Meanwhile, Ghazanfar Mahmood of Rawalpindi posted three over 75 to emerge first round leader in the amateurs’ category.

Three strokes away with six over 78 is Mohammad Rehman of Royal Palm Golf Club while holder Waseem Rana, Mubariz Ahmed, Zhoaib Asif and Irshad Ali are sharing the third place with eight over 80.

Meanwhile, seasoned golfer Mohammad Ali is not competing in the event. “I’m unwell that’s why I’ve skipped the event,” he told Dawn.

It may be mentioned that Hai won the amateurs gross crown in the CNS championship following a tie with Islamabad-based Mubariz while he finished fourth in the Sindh Open.

Results:

Open:

70 — Adil Jehangir (Gymkhana), Shahid Javed (Royal Palm Golf Club) 71 — Imran Ali Khan (DHA) 72 — Shabbir Iqbal (Islamabad), Asher Masih (Gymkhana), Waheed Baloch (KGC), Mohammad Siddiq (Faisalabad), Mohammad Afzal (Sargodha). Amateurs: 75 — Ghazanfar Mahmood (Rawalpindi) 78 — Mohammad Rehman (Royal Palm Golf Club) 80 — Waseem Rana (DHA), Mubariz Ahmed (Islamabad), Zohaib Asif (DHA), Irshad Ali (Quetta).