Golf: Unwell Garcia Trails In Singapore Open First Round
Zeeshan Mehtab Published January 17, 2019 | 11:09 PM
Singapore, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 17th Jan, 2019 ) :Defending champion Sergio Garcia trailed on the opening day the SMBC Singapore Open on Thursday as he tried to shake off a sinus infection and an upset stomach.
Hung Chien-Yao of Taiwan grabbed the early lead with a five-under par 66 in the round which was halted by bad weather.
The 26-year-old, who welcomed a baby daughter in November, is chasing his first victory on the Asian Tour.
Miguel Tabuena, 24, of the Philippines was in second spot with a four-under par 67 after he missed a chance for the lead due to a bogey.
"My game's still pretty rusty," said Tabuena, who was tied with the Japanese duo of Yuta Ikeda, a multiple winner on home soil, and Yoshinori Fujimoto.
England's Matthew Fitzpatrick, playing his first Singapore Open, signed for a 68, along with Thailand's Jazz Janewattananond and Nicholas Fung of Malaysia.
Spanish and Ryder Cup star Garcia -- the tournament's defending champion -- was under the weather but managed to card a 69.
"I've had a little bit of a sinus infection these last couple of days, and a bit of an upset stomach this morning.
But I think I played nicely, and the highest I can shoot," the 2017 Masters champion said.
"Obviously there were a couple of shots here and there where I was a little bit rusty, like this one on the last (ninth hole) for example, the second shot," added Garcia, 39.
"But other than that I felt like I played well. I gave myself a lot of chances and hit some good putts. I didn't really make a lot, but the greens are tricky. They're very fast, and you have to be very aware of your speed, and unfortunately I lacked a little bit of speed in a couple of parts here and there." Ryo Ishikawa, the prince of Japanese golf who has recovered from a serious back injury, was initially in top form until he hit two bogeys in the last three holes.
He is tied with playing partner Garcia.
Lightning halted play for over three hours in the afternoon at the Sentosa Golf Cluband play was cut short again later due to fading light with 78 players still to complete the round.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
Putin says plans to visit China in May
More Stories From Sports
-
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
47 minutes ago -
National Hockey camp to be organized for Azlan Shah tournament
2 hours ago -
Islamabad Tennis Club demolished by CDA amid anti-encroachment action at public park: Tarar
4 hours ago -
Shayan, Rashid, Junaid to represent Pakistan in U12 Regional Qualifying Jrs
4 hours ago -
Olympic Games Paris 2024: How teams qualified
5 hours ago -
ICC T20 World Cup 2024 trophy unveiled in Islamabad
4 hours ago
-
Pakistan to tour New Zealand for 3 ODIs, 5 T20Is next March
4 hours ago -
Xavi and Barca remain tied in marriage of convenience
4 hours ago -
Pakistan Master Tenpin Bowling C'ship postponed
4 hours ago -
Tennis: ATP/WTA Madrid Open results
4 hours ago -
1st-ever National Sports Revival conference starts next month
6 hours ago -
Usain Bolt named ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2024 Ambassador
6 hours ago