Gangjee and Groom share Asian qualifying lead on 66

The Open Championship - International Final Qualifying-Asia

Rahil Gangjee of India is tied for the first round lead with Australia's Adam Groom in the race for places in The Open Championship over 36 holes of International Final Qualifying-Asia at the Sentosa Golf Club in Singapore.

Six-under-par rounds of 66 were recorded by both men in their bid for a maiden appearance in The Open. Only the leading five players will qualify for a place at Carnoustie.

Gangjee and Groom took a narrow one stroke lead over India's Digvijay Singh who enjoyed a bogey free 67 alongside Australia's Lee Won-Joon and Sushi Ishigaki, the highest ranked Japanese player, in a tie for third place. Australia’s David Gleeson, in his ninth attempt at the qualifiers, and Toshinori Muto shared sixth spot after matching 68s at the Tanjong course.

Gangjee, who is currently ranked 41st on the Asian Tour Order of Merit, conquered the front nine with five birdies and coupled three more birdies against two dropped shots on the way home. "I'm pleased since this is my third time at the qualifiers. My goal for tomorrow is to not think about anything but focus on my pre-shot routine. If I strike it well of the tee, it will be a putting match and that's the key here," he said.

The leading 28-year-old Australian is equally determined to make it through after chalking up seven birdies against a lone bogey for a fine 66. "I finally produced a steady round today. I was shooting birdies and bogeys in previous tournaments this year but today I was consistent the entire round," said Groom.

"I was putting really well and rolling the ball good and I hope to keep it up tomorrow. I'm really excited as this has definitely boosted my chances to make it to The Open," he added.

Five birdies in a round of 67 has put Digvijay Singhhad in a strong challenging position. "I’m feeling confident now as I've been putting really well today. My putting has eluded me in the past two events and now it's back," he said. "Funnily enough I played a round with Rahil during practice yesterday and he was striking the ball 290-295 yards off the tee so I expect him to chew up this golf course. No expectations for me - I just hope to enjoy myself out on course."

Local favourite Mardan Mamat struck a 71 to tie for 12th place while Shiv Kapur of India was even-par for the day in joint 31st position.

For a complete listing of scores go to: http://scores.opengolf.com/

Top Scores

T1 GROOM, Adam Australia 66
T1 GANGJEE, Rahil India 66
T3 SINGH, Digvijay India 67
T3 LEE, Won Joon Australia 67
T3 ISHIGAKI, Sushi Japan 67
T6 GLEESON, David Australia 68
T6 MUTO, Toshinori Japan 68
T8 PARK, Jun Won Korea 69
T8 LASCUNA, Tony Philippines 69
T8 SONG, Chan Korea 69
T8 ICHIHARA, Tatsuhiko Japan 69
T12 LAM, Chih-Bing Singapore 70
T12 BLYTH, Adam Australia 70
T12 BASIC, Neven Australia 70
T12 QUE, Angelo Philippines 70
T12 KIYOTA, Taichiro Japan 70
T12 GHEI, Gaurav India 70
T12 LEE, Sungman Korea 70
T12 NAM, Young Korea 70
T12 MAMAT, Mardan Singapore 70
T12 MURAKAMI, Artemio Philippines 70
T22 SMITH, Craig Wales 71
T22 KENNEDY, Brad Australia 71
T22 ILES, Bradley New Zealand 71
T22 PARK, Unho Australia 71
T22 PHADUNGSIL, Chinarat Thailand 71
T22 FLINT, Gavin Australia 71
T22 TOMIDA, Masaya Japan 71
T22 SINGH, Arjun India 71
T22 TATEYAMA, Mitsuhiro Japan 71