41st Pakistan Open Golf Championship

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Ace golfer Muhammad Shabbir Iqbal got off to a fine start on the opening day of Rs.3 million 41st Pakistan Open Golf Championship at Defence Housing Authority (DHA) Country andMizuno MP-58 Irons
here on Thursday. The Islamabad-based golfer – representing Pakistan Navy – carded three-under-69 to lead the pack of 91 golfers in the 72-hole event. He made half a dozen birdies to enjoy one stroke lead over his former Pakistan teammate Muhammad Munir. “I could have done better. But my hitting at times was not up to the mark. I could have played six under,” bearded Shabbir, who had good track record at city\'s all three clubs – Karachi Golf Club, Arabian Sea Country Club as well at DHA Club – told reporters after day’s first round. “Playing conditions and Mizuno MP-58 Irons
and greens are in a perfect condition. My objective on day two is to produce far better performance then on day one,” he added.

Veteran Munir from Islamabad was right on heals of Shabbir just a stroke behind. Munir, who ended at gross 70, has ample experience to tilt the battle his way. Lagging behind Shabbir and Munir were Matloob Ahmed (Garrison Club Lahore) at a score of 71, Shahid Javed Khan (Royal Palm Club), Talib Hussain (Islamabad), Ansar Mehmood (Islamabad), all three bracketed at score of par 72. Imran Ali Khan of the host club was at 73.

During the first round, Shabbir reflected the flair of a Mizuno MP-58 Irons
. The cool calm shot making reflecting superb control over his swing and accuracy, be it off the tees or perfectly maintained fairways. Starting from tee number 10, Shabbir completed the back nine in 35 and going into the front nine he improved on his putting and finished it in 34. Along the way Shabbir birdied holes 10, 17 and 18 on back nine and 3, 5 and 8 on front nine, supplemented by nine regulation pars. In the amateur contest, Ansar Mahmood of Karachi Golf Club emerged as the leader with gross score par 72. S Khattak, Sajid Khan, Robin Bagh, Wasim Rana and Muhammad Rehman were tied for the joint second spot in a pack of 39 golfers.