Bangladesh’s Siddikur Rahman was on top of his game with a score of 4 under per in the opening round of the Barclays Singapore Open on Thursday. Siddik was lying in 25th position at the end of the rain-hit inaugural day of the $6 million tournament.
The event’s elite field comprises world number three Martin Kaymer of Germany, four-time Major champion Phil Mickelson of the United States, Asia’s first Major winner Yang Yong-eun of Korea and Jeev Milkha Singh of India, who won the tournament in 2008.
Italian Francesco Molinari, fresh from winning the HSBC World Golf Championship in Shanghai last week, is also in the mix alongside Ryder Cup team-mate Graeme McDowell of Northern Ireland.
A total of 20 players are participating in the competition. However, there will be only 70 players contesting after the second round and only 50 players will be eligible for prize money.
Siddik started the day with a bogey (one above par) and did come back at the third hole with his first birdie (one less par) of the day. He scored two more birdies fourth and fifth holes but again faltered in the 9th hole to end up with another bogey.
In the next nine holes he was again on top of his game and scored three birdies.
Crish Wood of England is leading the first round jointly with Kim Bi-o of South Korea and Ignacio Garrido of Spain (8 under par). Siddik is now tied with legendary Phil Mickelson for the 25th position.
