Domingo takes lead

Spanish journeyman, Agustin Domingo shot a fine six-under 66 to set a new course record on the opening day of the third edition of the Gujarat Kensville Challenge 2013 at the Kensville Golf and Country club here on Thursday.

He took a one-shot lead over India’s Shiv Kapur and Scotsman Andrew McArthur, who was wearing trainers instead of golf shoes after hurting himself. Three other Indians, Amardip Singh Malik, Om Prakash Chouhan and Vishal Singh had two-under 70 each in tied 12th place, while 2011 champion Gaganjeet Bhullar, Rashid Khan and Himmat Rai were at one-under 71 each in tied 20th place. Last year’s runner-up Rahil Gangjee carded even par 72.

The drawcard of the tournament, Rich Beem, the 2002 PGA Champion, shot one-over 73. Domingo was progressing sedately over the front nine as he had first eight holes with one birdie and one bogey. He then exploded into action from the ninth, which he birdied.

Turning in one-under, he birdied five times more without any lapses and came back with handsome dividends in the form of a six-under 66. Kapur had a flawless five-under 67 in the evening, while McArthur, whose lone Challenge Tour win came in 2008 in Spain, had as many as eight birdies but he also dropped three shots, one of them on the ninth, his closing hole.