The 40th Punjab Open Golf Championship’s Professional and Amateur categories play commenced at the PAF Skyview Golf Course in Lahore. This is after the successful completion of the Ladies Amateurs, Senior Professionals, Junior Professionals, and Senior Amateurs categories.

On Day 1 of the professionals round, M. Tariq of Islamabad was in command with an outstanding display of quality golfing which enabled him to produce a round of gross 66, six under par. M. Tariq is an experienced player of merit with quite a few top ten finishes to his credit and looks poised to spring a surprise in the 40th Punjab Open Championship. His technique is exemplary and if nerves support his determination he just might end up in the forefront. However, there are still two rounds to go and the established names like Shabbir, Ahmad Baig, M. Matloob and M. Munir will endeavour to vanquish his progress.

Other contenders looking suitably placed are M. Shahzad of Lahore Garrison at a score of gross 68, Zubair Hussain (PAF) 69 and the number one ranked professional, M. Shabbir also at gross 69.

At gross 70 are placed Taimoor Khan (PAF, Peshawar), M. Alam (PAF Skyview) and Ahmad Baig, also of PAF Skyview. All three are capable golf professionals, fit and young and eager and can fire up over the remaining two rounds on Saturday and Sunday.

In the race for honors in amateur section the leader right now is Mohsin Zafar of Lahore Gymkhana with a round of 75 gross. Salman Jehangir (Gymkhana ) is at 77 and M. Shafi of Garrison is at 78.