Saarthak chhibber

The AM Green IGPL South: Olympian Udayan Mane, searching for his maiden win at the IGPL Invitational South Africa, got off to a flying bogey free start as he was tied for the lead with two others at 7-under 65 at the end of the first day. The trio were one clear off the field, but there was a big bunch snapping at their heels as six others were within two shots of them.

Hyderabad lad Milind Soni, who had a fine start last week in Mauritius before ending T-6, had another good start with a 65, as did Indian American Manav Shah, whose resume includes a win on the Latinomerica Tour.

The crowded leaderboard saw last year’s IGPL Rankings winner Pukhraj Singh Gill (66) one behind at sole fourth, while Gaganjeet Bhullar, the 11-time Asian Tour winner, the in-form Karandeep Kochhar and the upcoming Saarthak Chhibber were all tied fifth at 5-under 67.