Jeev best Indian in tied third at Malaysian Open golf

He shot a fine 67 with six birdies against one bogey and was three behind the leader, Sweden’s Alexander Noren who had an eight-under-par 64 and a two-shot lead.
Noren moved past early leader, Italian teenager Matteo Manassero who returned with a 66.

Jeev, a two-time Asian Tour Order of Merit champion, Darren Beck of Australia, who has won once in the region, and Stephen Gallacher of Scotland returned matching 67s.
"I am pleased with how I hit the ball. I had good distance control with the irons and I rolled the ball well," said Jeev.

Talking of his season, Jeev added: " In Morocco, I had a few good rounds. I need to be more consistent with this. I need more work with the driver. I have been so protective of the back that I don’t give a lash with the driver. But I have to if I am back in the game. I am going to start hitting more drivers now."

The other Indians were however way behind. Shiv Kapur (71) in tied 35th place was the only other Indian with an under par score. Jyoti Randhawa (73) and Gaurav Ghei (73) in tied 68th, Gaganjeet Bhullar (74) in 99th. Anirban Lahiri (75) and Digvijay Singh (75), Sujjan Singh (78), and SSP Chowraia (79)  face the prospect of missing the cut.

The tournament’s big names had mixed luck. Rory McIlroy overcame his Masters Tournament blow-up with a solid 69.  His score was matched by reigning British Open champion Louis Oosthuizen of South Africa.

World number one and PGA Championship winner Martin Kaymer of Germany, playing alongside McIlroy, fired a 70 while newly crowned Masters winner Charl Schwartzel of South Africa struggled with fatigue and jetlag to card a 73 in the 50th edition of Malaysia’s national Open.

The opening round was suspended at 7.05pm due to lightning with 12 players to resume their rounds at 8.30am, Friday.