Jeev, Shiv make strong start at Omega Masters

India's Jeev Milkha Singh and Shiv Kapur made a strong start to their Omega European Masters campaign with an identical three-under 68s to be placed tied 19th after the first round at Golf Course Crans-Sur-Sierre in Switzerland.

Aiming to impress international team captain Greg Norman to be one of his wildcard picks for the Presidents Cup, Jeev fired four birdies against a lone bogey to make a strong claim for Tuesday's selection.

Last year's Asian Tour Order of Merit winner, Jeev started on his back nine and picked up birdies at the 11th, 15th and 17th, dropping a stroke at the 13th hole.

On resumption, he picked up a birdie at the second while parred the rest in his front nine.

"I played really well. I was rock solid and I was happy with how I played. I'm stroking it well and I hope to take advantage of the good greens tomorrow morning," said Jeev.

Compatriot Shiv, who is also on a mission to retain his European tour card, sunk four birdies and a bogey in the first round.

Currently lying 113th in the European Tour Order of Merit, Shiv needs to safeguard his position in the top 115 list to retain his card.

Playing his back nine first, the Delhi golfer stumbled on a bogey in the 11th hole but by the time he took the turn he was level-par, courtesy a birdie at the 15th hole.

He produced a flawless front nine on resumption and picked up birdies at the first, seventh and ninth hole to finish the day on a high.

Among others Indians in fray, SSP Chowrasia was at tied 37 with two-under 69, while Jyoti Randhawa carded one-under 70 to lie tied 53.

Further down was Gaganjeet Bhullar at tied 117th with a card of two-over 73 and senior pro Gaurav Ghei was at tied 142 with four-over 75.

At the top, Australian Brett Rumford blasted nine-under 62 to grab the lead, while England's Simon Dyson fired two eagles en route to second place on 63.

Five others, including Ryder Cup star Miguel Angel Jimenez of Spain, shot 65s to lie in third place alongside Thongchai.