Johor Bahru: Jyoti Randhawa, shot a two-under 69 on the opening day of the weather-hit USD 2 million Iskandar Johor Open to be tied 26th with fellow Indian golfer, Rahil Gangjee who also shot a 69 on the par-71 on the opening day of the weather-hit USD 2 million Iskandar Johor Open, at the Horizon Hills Golf and Country Club course on Thursday.
Joost Luiten of the Netherlands continued his impressive run of form by shooting a scintillating eight-under 63 to take the clubhouse lead in the event, which is sanctioned by both the Asian and European Tours.
Among the other Indians who had completed their first round was Sujjan Singh (73), Himmat Rai (75), Chiragh Kumar (75), SSP Chowrasia (80) and Manav Jaini (80).
Shiv Kapur was fighting hard in 61st place, but the other Indian golfers struggled.
Gaurav Ghei (two-over through 14), Anirban Lahiri (two-over through 12), and Jeev Milkha Singh (three-over through 14) were all in danger of missing the cut.
Daniel Chopra was looking good at five-under through 14 holes.
The first round was called off for the day an hour after lightning stopped play at 4:22 pm.
No players from the afternoon session finished their round, meaning 78 players will return at 7:20 am on Friday to resume play.
Luiten, who finished in tied fifth in Singapore last week, birdied the last hole to hold a one-shot lead over title holder and three-time Major champion Padraig Harrington of Ireland, Australian Marcus Fraser, who finished second at last year's Asian Tour Order of Merit and Frenchman Gregory Bourdy.
Charlie Wi of Korea, a seven-time winner in the region, led the Asian charge with a 66 to share fifth place with James Morrison of England and Nicolas Meitinger of Germany.
Luiten, who started on the 10th tee, peppered the flags with accurate approach shots and was rewarded with four straight birdies starting from the 15th hole.
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