KARACHI, March 28: A total number of 200 golfers are vying for the top honours in the Metropolitan Bank Golf Tournament 2003 which got under way at the Dreamworld Family Resort on Friday.

This tournament is open to all amateur and professional golfers of all golf clubs of the Karachi Zone.

Of the 92 entries of professionals received, 88 teed off on Friday with the finalists emerging on Saturday.

Karachi Golf Club had 67 professionals entered in this tournament, Arabian Sea Country Club five, DHA Golf Club 14 and Dreamworld Golf Club two.

After the conclusion of Friday’s round 33 golfers made the cut at the scores of 81 gross and under.

Aurangzeb Khan of Arabian Sea Country Club took the lead on the opening day with a 1 Under Par 2 with five birdies in his gross score of 70. He was closely followed by Mumtaz Abbas from Karachi Gold Club 1 Under Par 2 gross score of 71 with two birdies.

Javed Inayat of Karachi Golf Club, Zulfiqar Ali, DHA Golf Club and Salim Inayat of Karachi Golf Club were tied for the third spot with Par gross score of 72.

While Javed and Salim managed two birdies, Zulfiqar had six birdies to his credit.

Lying in sixth position is Ejaz Hussain of Dreamworld Golf Club with one over par of 73 although he had four birdies.

The 33 professionals who made the cut play the final rounds on Saturday and the top 10 will be awarded cash prizes to the tune of Rs.60,000.

On Sunday, the amateurs, the Senior (above 55 years), Juniors (under 14) and the Ladies will tee off for the spoils.

The prize distribution ceremony will be held on Sunday at the Dreamworld Family Resort.

Following were the top six professionals on the opening day.

70 Aurangzeb Khan

71 Mumtaz Abbas 71

72 Javed Inayat, Zulfiqar Ali, Salim Inayat.

73 Ejaz Hussain.