RAWALPINDI, Oct 21: In the absence of leading players of the country, local golfer Saleem Akram was ahead in both the net and gross events on the opening day of the President of Pakistan Cup Golf tournament at the Rawalpindi Golf course.

With Dr. Aimal Zaman, Tariq Mahmood, Ghazanfar Mahmood and Muhammad Safdar, all preparing for the Asian Pacific Team Championship in China starting from Oct 25, Saleem led the net category with four-under par.

However, young Vaqas Ahmed shared the top spot with Saleem in the gross with four-over par.

Saleem, an eight handicapper, played a round of 39 on the front nine but made amends on return when he carded a round of 37 in the net event to finish the day at 76.

One stroke behind was a nine-handicapper Munir Haider. He slipped to 42 with five bogies on the back nine after scoring a fine 36 on the front nine holes.

Vaqas succeeded in playing rounds of 36+36 to share the lead in the gross competition. Although he struck two birdies, he had four bogies and one double bogey which affected his overall tally. Fareed Buttur was lying second with five over par 77.

Haider Ali led the field of juniors in the net event with a score of 63. A 34 stroke handicapper, Haider was in second place in the gross event with a score of 97.

Ladies and seniors events will begin Monday.