India's Dharma Lying Second in Dhaka, Jeev is Tied 7th

Dhaka, May 9 (PTI) India's amazing depth in golf was once again on show as M Dharma, who has only been an occasional feature on the Asian Tour, played himself into second place in the first round of the AB Bank Bangladesh Open here.

The 32-year-old from Bengaluru had six birdies against one bogey at the Kurmitola Golf Club on Thursday and his card of 66 is one behind leader, Rattanon Wannasrichan (65).

Two other Indians -- veteran Jeev Milkha Singh -- who has been going through a lean run and Divyanshu Bajaj -- who has been on the Asian Development Tour -- were 2-under through nine and 10 holes on a weather-hit day.

With them was Sanjeev Kumar who finished his round at 69. Jeev, Bajaj and Sanjeev were Tied-7th.

Among other Indians Rashid Khan, Deepinder Khullar and Veer Ahlawat shot even par 71 each to be tied 36th, while Khalin Joshi was one-over through 12 holes.

Manu Gandas and Viraj Madappa finished 73 each to be T-79 and Chiragh Kumar shot 74 to be T-98th. Himmat Rai was 4-over through 12, while Aman Raj had finished at 77 and Udayan Mane shot 79.

The 22-year-old Rattanon of Thailand rode on a hot putter to sign for a solid opening round of six-under-par 65 to seize the clubhouse lead.

Dharma and Tour rookie Jack Harrison of England posted matching 66s to share second place while John Catlin of the US settled two shots off the pace in fourth following a 67 at the Kurmitola Golf Club. Local hero Siddikur Rahman carded a 72 to tie in 58th position.

Play was earlier suspended at 12.17pm local time due to lightning threats before resuming four hours later. All 72 players in the afternoon session will return to complete their opening rounds tomorrow followed by the second round.

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