Aberdeen (Scotland), July 11:
Indian trio of Shiv Kapur (69), Jeev Milkha Singh (70) and Gaganjeet Bhullar (75) began their final attempt at qualifying for the British Open with mixed results at the Aberdeen Asset Management Scottish Open late yesterday.
Kapur was lying tied 13th, while Jeev was tied 24th but Bhullar was lying way back in 138th place needing a great second round to survive the cut.
Meanwhile Northern Irishman Rory McIlroy made a stunning start to the with a course record seven under par 64 on a blustery day at Royal Aberdeen Golf Club.
Three leading players finishing in top-10 and not otherwise qualified will earn a berth to the British Open next week.
Kapur had five birdies against two bogeys in his 68 at the par-71 while Jeev had six birdies three bogeys and one disappointing double on par-4 14th, which dropped him to one-under 70.
Bhullar had a tough day with three bogeys and one double against just one birdie. McIlroy, the two-time Major winner racked up eight birdies against one bogey to set the pace, one shot ahead of Swede Kristoffer Broberg and Argentinian Ricardo Gonzalez.
McIlroy’s compatriot Michael Hoey, who tasted links success in the 2011 Alfred Dunhill Links Championship, is another shot back at five under.
Defending champion Phil Mickelson opened with a three under par 68, while Englishman Luke Donald was one of four players on four under par, along with home hopes David Drysdale and Marc Warren, who were the best placed of the Scots on day one. (PTI)
Follow our WhatsApp channel