Louis Phillipe Cup: AVT Kolkata leads after Gangjee's record 62

Mumbai: Rahil Gangjee of AVT Kolkata stole the limelight on the opening day as he fired a new course record of 62 (eight-under) in round one of the Louis Philippe Cup at the par-70 Bombay Presidency Golf Club, Chembur here today. His blazing effort bettered the previous record of 63 (seven-under) set by Gurbaaz Mann in 2010. [caption id=“attachment_1399085” align=“alignleft” width=“380”]  File photo of Rahil Gangjee. AFP[/caption] The 35-year-old Gangjee’s remarkable feat ensured that the Kolkata team finished the day in front of the nine-team pack with a score of 129 (11-under). Gangjee’s teammate Shankar Das finished with a card of 67 (three-under), while third member of the team – Chiragh Kumar – was three-over. As per the format the scores of the best two players are taken into consideration as the team total. Krrish Colombo, Puravankara Bangalore and TAKE Chennai, jointly shared the third position, all with a score of 131 (nine-under). Navratna Ahmedabad with a combined total of 133 were placed fifth, while Jaypee Greens Greater Noida and Dev Ellora Lakshya Mumbai, jointly occupied the sixth spot with 135. Shubhkamna Delhi were eighth with a score of 137 followed by DLF Gurgaon in ninth spot with 143. Gangjee was surprised when informed that he had broken the course record. “It’s awesome. I didn’t even know about the record. My best score on this course was six-under as an amateur in 2000-01,” he said. “I had a total of 10 birdies, including five in a row on the back nine which was much easier as compared to the front nine,” he added. Gangjee, who started the day from the 10th tee, opened the round with birdies on the 10th, 11th, 12th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th, 1st, 4th and 7th holes, while he dropped shots on the sixth and 14th. The Kolkata pro also had no problems with the weather. “I did not feel out of sorts although it was really hot. I had to carefully select the clubs to control the swing.” Puravankara Bangalore’s captain Anirban Lahiri was another star performer on day one as he finished with a bogey free round of 65 (five-under). “Although I did not play my best, it was a good round. I could have done better. I could not read the lines properly, but will speak to Chikkarangappa S because he also made a course record of eight-under a couple of years ago as an amateur and understands the greens here better than me,” said India’s highest ranked golfer. Himmat Rai representing Sri Lankan club Krrish Colombo also had a satisfying day with a score of 65. “I had an excellent round which was very good. I hit the ball well from the tee to the green which helped to get into good positions. The team also combined well and we will stick to our game plan and put up another good display tomorrow,” said Rai, who was part of the winning team last year. PTI