March 15: India’s Gaganjeet Bhullar opened his campaign with a promising six-under-par 65 to sit in third place at the Kenya Open on Thursday.

Bhullar, a nine-time Asian Tour winner, fired a bogey-free round highlighted by six birdies to trail the first-round co-leaders Jack Singh Brar of England and Louis De Jager of South Africa by one shot at the European Tour event which is held at the Karen Country Club, Nairobi, Kenya.

Playing in his first start in the Kenyan capital, the Indian was thrilled to put up a low round despite the challenging layout.

“The golf course is really interesting, very similar to what we have back in India. Anything from a two iron to a driver works well off the tee.

“I gave myself a lot of good opportunities and I kept the ball in play the whole day and putted well. To make six birdies and remain bogey-free in testing conditions felt great, even though I felt I left a couple out there,” said Bhullar.

Three Asian Tour players are currently in a share of 24th place. They include India’s Chikkarangappa S., South Africa’s Justin Harding, and Yanwei Liu of China after they posted matching 70s.

Also in the field is American John Catlin who signed for a 72 to take tied-37th and India’s Khalin Josh, who carded a 72 to sit in tied-54th place.

Ends.