Miami (USA), Oct 14: Indian-origin Swede golfer Daniel Chopra grabbed a share of the lead after firing a sparkling eight-under 63 in the opening round of the Nationwide Tour's Miccosukee Championship here.

Chopra shared the lead with Jason Kokrak, another player who has a win in Nationwide this year.

Rahil Gangjee also shot a good round of four-under 67 and was lying 17th with six others.
Gangjee began with a bogey on the first but found birdies on the third, fifth and seventh, but a bogey on the eighth meant he turned in one-under.

Three more birdies on the back-nine gave him a fine card of 67. Gangjee is lying 95th on the Moneylist and needs to get into top-25 to qualify for the PGA Tour next year.

Chopra, currently 25th on Nationwide Money List and winner of the Fresh Express Classic back in April, managed seven birdies and an eagle against a bogey to move to the top. Kokrak, winner of the Albertsons Boise Open last month, and the first player off the tee in the morning, shot an error-free 63.

Chopra, who was way up in the Money list has fallen to No. 25 and quickly needs a good finish to make his way back to the PGA Tour.

"I think I may have been trying too hard. I might have put too much pressure on myself," he said.

"I felt that I had gotten off to such a great start that I have to take advantage of it. I honestly don't care now. I've cared the whole year and I've been slipping and falling further and further back. Now I'm at the point where I say to hell with it, just go out and finish the year off," he added.

Brett Wetterich, winner of the Chitimacha Louisiana Open in March, heads a group of six players tied for third at six-under 65. Nine players -- including defending champion Jason Gore -- are in at five-under 66.

PTI