Chacarra Recovers for Clubhouse Lead, Lahiri Finishes Level on Opening Day at International Series India Presented By DLF

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Gurugram, Jan 31: Spain's Eugenio Chacarra staged a remarkable comeback on the back nine to take the clubhouse lead on the opening day (January 30) of the International Series India, presented by DLF.

Chacarra fired a four-under-par 68 at the DLF Golf and Country Club, overcoming an early triple bogey and a bogey to finish with a stunning six-under-par 30 on his second nine, including an eagle on his penultimate hole.

Chacarra's resilient performance saw him finish ahead of Filipino Justin Quiban and Thailand's Danthai Boonma, who posted two-under-par 70s. The DLF Golf and Country Club, known for its challenging setup, witnessed only six players breaking par on the day, emphasizing the difficulty of the course.

Mexico's Carlos Ortiz and Sweden's Charlie Lindh were next best in the clubhouse at one-under-par 71. Among the Indian contingent, Anirban Lahiri carded an even-par round to be placed T13, emerging as the best-placed home player. However, a one-hour fog delay meant 42 players could not complete their rounds, with Japan's Kazuki Higa at four under with three to play when play was suspended.

Lahiri Embraces Home Crowd Support

Lahiri, a key member of Crushers GC on the LIV Golf League alongside Bryson DeChambeau, was overwhelmed by the enthusiastic home support.

"I think that was one of the nicest cheers I have ever got on the first tee. That was very special. So a big thank you to the crowds that came out. Please continue to come out," Lahiri said.

Despite struggling with his iron play, Lahiri scrambled well throughout the round. "Other than that, I think I played pretty terribly. I hit my irons all over the place and did not have a half-decent look at birdie till the ninth. But I scrambled really well today. Didn't have my best, but I'm happy with the way I dug my heels in."

Chacarra's Resilient Turnaround

Starting from the 10th hole, Chacarra's round got off to a rocky start with a triple bogey on the 13th and a bogey on the 14th. However, he displayed his immense talent with three straight birdies before the turn. A dropped shot on the 18th was quickly forgotten as he delivered a flawless homeward nine, highlighted by an eagle and four birdies.

"It feels good to be back," said Chacarra, a previous winner on the Asian Tour at the 2023 St Andrews Bay Championship. "I've been grinding on my body, on my game, and it's been a great offseason. I was four over through four, and I feel like I didn't even miss a shot. But I still came back."

Indian Contenders Face Challenging Conditions

Veteran Gaganjeet Bhullar experienced a tale of two halves, opening with a three-over start before bouncing back with three birdies on his final six holes to finish at one-over 73.

"The course setup was challenging, and there was a lot of headwind at some holes," Bhullar noted. "I also missed a few fairways, but it was good to finish strong."

Ajeetesh Sandhu also shot 73, while Jeev Milkha Singh battled through with an injured finger to remain at level par with six holes left to play.

Other notable Indian scores included Rahil Gangjee (75), SSP Chawrasia (+3 through 16), Manu Gandas (+3 through 11), and Karandeep Kochhar (+4 through 12). Shiv Kapur and amateur Kartik Singh struggled at five-over, while Shubhankar Sharma, Rashid Khan, and Yuvraj Sandhu endured a difficult day at six-over.