Chandigarh’s Akshay Sharma fired an impressive seven-under 63 to claim the honors in round one at the Jaipur Open 2023. Jairaj Singh Sandhu, another Chandigarh player, and Delhi-based Saptak Talwar shared the second spot, both carding a six-under 64.
Akshay Sharma recorded eight birdies and a lone bogey on Wednesday, showcasing signs of a return to form after facing challenges in recent events. He started the day with a lengthy birdie conversion on the third hole and went on to collect five more birdies from within 10 feet. Despite a bogey on the 15th, he more than compensated with birdies on the last two holes, including a two-putt from 70 feet on the 18th.
Currently ranked 10th on the PGTI Ranking with five top-10 finishes this year, including two runner-up positions, Akshay stated, “Putting was the highlight of my round today. I made birdies on all the four par-5s. I planned not to attack the par-5s today because they were playing tricky due to the headwind.”
He praised the Rambagh Golf Club’s excellent condition, emphasizing the importance of making greens in regulation on this course. Reflecting on his recent form, Akshay mentioned, “I had momentum with some good finishes till October. But after missing the cut at my home course in Chandigarh for the first time in so many years, I lost some confidence. But now I feel that I’m slowly getting back in the groove.” Jairaj Singh Sandhu’s round of 64 featured seven birdies and a bogey, including four long conversions. Saptak Talwar, with eight birdies and a double-bogey, also carded a 64, landing it within a foot of the flag on multiple occasions.
Tied for fourth place at 65 were nine players, including last year’s Order of Merit champion Manu Gandas and the 2018 Jaipur Open winner Aman Raj.
