Chinnarat takes India by storm

The Thai, who had three birdies on the front nine, caught fire on the back nine with seven birdies from the 10th hole, to leave the field far behind in the US$2.3-million showpiece, which is co-sanctioned by the Asian Tour, European Tour and Professional Golf Tour of India. Compatriot Chawalit Plaphol shot a 7-under 65 to be five behind while India’s hope Abhijit Chadha brought the early cheers when he posted an opening six-under 66 to take the morning-round lead.

Chinnarat, who hit 15 greens in regulation and made just 22 putts, was pleased by his score and the exhibition he put on before a sizeable crowd. “The putts were simply falling and my iron shots somehow reached the pins. I was not very happy with my drives. I could hit only six fairways the whole day,” he said.

Chadha, 21, rose to prominence after winning the PGTI Rookie of the Year Award last year and is excited about his prospects this week.

“I’m feeling really good about this week. I was just raring to go and get on with it. I just want to go out and play. I like this golf course as it suits my game. Winning the title last year on the PGTI was a good feeling,” said Chadha, who marked his flawless card with six birdies. Before turning professional last year, Chadha was part of the four-member Indian team that won the silver medal at the 2010 Guangzhou Asian Games.

While he enjoys playing on the big stage, the Indian is not cowed by the presence of the big guns in a stellar field that includes Thailand’s Thongchai Jaidee, a 13-time Asian Tour winner, and Scotland’s Colin Montgomerie, who is the most prolific British winner on the European Tour.