Sweden's Lindskog leads Taman Dayu Open shooting 4-under

JAKARTA (JP): Jakarta-based Swede Stephen Atako Lindskog leads the Rp 350 million (US$35,000) 2001 Olympic Open at the Taman Dayu Golf Club in Pandaan, East Java, after shooting a 4-under- par 68 on the first day's play.

Lindskog, however, only took the lead after a spirited burst over the last few holes.

"Lindskog had only shot 1-under until the 15th hole while amateur golfer Indra Hermawan was leading with a 3-under 69," tournament spokesman Avie K. Utomo told The Jakarta Post from Pandaan.

"But Lindskog managed to improve his score by carding birdies on the remaining three holes, while Indra could only make pars to finish in second place."

Lindskog carded 35 on the first nine and 33 on the back nine. Meanwhile, Indra went out in 34 and returned home with a 35.

"Although I managed to make a birdie at the par-5 18th hole, it was pure luck. I was very lucky to make the birdie, which enabled me to lead the pack," Lindskog was quoted as saying by Avie.

"Actually, I was only following Indra because he took the lead from the start. I was just lucky enough to be able to catch him and take the lead," Lindskog said.

Forty five amateur and 64 professional golfers are playing in the championship, which this year offers the highest prize money in the event's history.

Avie said that Lindskog's achievement equaled Taman Dayu's course record.

"It was a perfect game they've shown today because Stephen happens to be Indra's coach for the Kuala Lumpur 2001 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games," Avie said.

"Stephen told me that, besides his excellent skills, Indra also shows no fear at all playing head to head with professional golfers," he added.

Back in third place are Kasiyadi and Japanese player Tomoharu Kimura who both carded 1-under-par rounds of 71.

The top four players were the only golfers who managed to shoot sub-par scores on the first day of the championship. Meanwhile, Bachtiar Banca and Bachrul Makmur both carded rounds of 72. (nvn)