Gangjee four off the lead at British Open qualifiers

KUALA LUMPUR - Rahil Gangjee, fresh from a top-10 finish at the Malaysian Open last week, shot a two-under 70, that placed him tied seventh and in with a chance to grab one of the four tickets to the British Open Championship International Final Qualifying - Asia here Wednesday.

Koreas rising star Noh Seung-yul maintained his red-hot form to share the opening round lead with Danny Chia of Malaysia on six-under-par 66.

Among other Indians, Gaganjeet Bhullar shot a 73 and was tied 22nd, while Anirban Lahiri and Himmat Rai with 76 each were way behind in 49th place. C Muniyappa carded a 84.

The 18-year-old Noh, winner of the Maybank Malaysian Open Sunday, shot an eagle and seven birdies against a bogey and a double bogey at the Saujana Golf and Country Club to put himself in prime position for one of four tickets available to the British Open in July.

Chia, who has won once on the Asian Tour, carded a flawless round highlighted by six birdies to boost his hopes of a third appearance in the worlds oldest Major.

For the first time in the IFQ, the leaders will play together in the second round, with Chia and Noh slated to tee off in lead pairing.