Kunal Bhasin tied 49th, Rai and Sandhu 71st

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Himmat Rai salvaged his round with three birdies in the last four holes to card one-under 71 in the first round of the King's Cup today.

His teammate, Ajeetesh Sandhu also posted a 71 and both were tied 71st. Kunal Bhasin was tied 49th after carding two-under 70.

Seasoned Singaporean Mardan Mamat fired a brilliant nine-under 63 to take the opening round lead. Not since his wire-to-wire victory in the Philippines earlier this year has Singapore's number one golfer secured pole position.

But he did so brilliantly this week by marking his card with 10 birdies against one bogey at the Singha Park Khon Kaen Golf Club.

Morning round leader Supakorn Utaipat of Thailand took full advantage of his second ever start on the Asian Tour by posting a 64 to take a share of second place with England's Chris Rodgers while Australia's Rick Kulacz signed for a 65 to take equal fourth place.