Lahiri off to a flier at CIMB Classic

Anirban Lahiri got off to a modest two-under 70 start at the CIMB Classic, his first start on the 2016 PGA Tour in the event, which is also co-sanctioned with the Asian Tour.

Lahiri, winner of the Malaysian Open and Hero Indian Open this year, was lying tied 33rd.

Lahiri’s compatriot SSP Chawrasia shot even par 72 and was lying tied-63 in the 78-man field. The leader was Scott Piercy, who shot 10-under 62, a score Lahiri got enroute to his win at the same course in February this year. Lahiri had three birdies and one bogey after starting from the 10th alongside Sergio Garcia and his teammate from the President’s Cup International Team, Hideki Matsuyama of Japan. Garcia carded 70 and was lying 33rd, while Matsuyama shot 65 and was lying second. Lahiri said: “I’ve gotten through day one, (but) I haven’t put myself out of it, but I’m going to need to start making some birdies tomorrow.” 

Chawrasia, who had four birdies, two bogeys and a double bogey, also had a ringside view of Scott Brown’s ace on the 15th, which fetched the American a brand new BMW i8.