Caddie-turned-golfer Shamim Khan’s blemish-free six-under 66 fetched him the opening-round lead in the Rs 80 lakh BILT Open at the par-72 Jaypee Greens Golf Course in Greater Noida on Thursday.

In second spot was Gaurav Pratap Singh, who reeled off seven birdies but had two bogeys.

Last year’s runners-up Lam Chih Bing of Singapore was a stroke behind at the third spot, followed by a pack of five that includes SSP Chowrasia, Arjun Singh, Digvijay Singh, Shankar Das and Mandeo Singh Pathania at 69.
Ashok Kumar, the 2006 PGTI Order of Merit winner, carded one-under 71, as did Jaiveer Virk, Sujjan Singh, Vishal Singh and Chiragh Kumar.

Tournament favourites Gaurav Ghei and Kolkata pro Rahil Gangjee had a disappointing outing after both of them carded one-over 73s.