KARACHI, Feb 8: The opening round of the 4th edition of Rs1.5 million All Pakistan DHA Karachi Open Golf Championship turned out to be a four-way tie between Shabbir Iqbal, Khalid Khan, Rehan Hameed and Ashar Hanif after they played identical rounds of two-under-par 70 here on Friday.

Playing in perfect conditions, reigning champion Shabbir carded four birdies on hole 6, 11, 15 and 17 and two bogies on 8 and 12 at Defence Authority Country and Golf Club.

Shabbir demonstrated superb driving, putting and accuracy to emerge as joint leader with three other golfers.

“The conditions today were fabulous for golf and I enjoyed playing here,” Shabbid, the Pakistan number one, said. He added that he will be looking to gain lead in the second round on Saturday.

Mohammad Munir, Matloob Ahmed, Muazzam Siddique, Shafiq Masih and Waheed Baloch played well too and were close behind the leaders in the 54-hole contest.

Taimur Khan of Peshawar was leading the amateurs competition after the first round, having carded the round of three-over-par 75. Ali Hai was placed second at 75.—APP