Sports fans have already had enough of Indian Premier League or IPL. Now, it is time for Golf Premier League (GPL) promising maximum entertainment for sports enthusiasts across India. There was some amount of chill in the breeze still, resulting shivers down the spine of some people for the most part of the day. But the suspense factor far got through the chill, with Delhi Darts ensuring maximum of it in their 12-under total on Friday, the initial day of the much awaited Pearls Golf Premier League, at the Sylvan Aamby Valley course.
After the IPL became a huge success, there are several other sports in India looking forward to adapt the same schedule such as football, tennis, basketball and volleyball. However, a new sport has now joined ranks in the form of golf. There is no dearth for sporting talent in the country as long as this sport is considered. Several players of international stature play this sport on a leisure as well as professional basis.
Swedish import Johan Edfors provided the ideal path for the Delhi side, with a superb six-under 49 in the shortened 14-hole format to take the overall individual lead as well. Enough talent is yet to be untapped, which is certain to happen by the end of the tournament.
The 37-year-old, who has three European and two Asian Tour titles under his belt, was at his best as usual with the first tee onwards, even after the strong breeze and the moderate and tricky greens. Rahil Gangjee appreciated his teammate with a five-under effort himself, to propel Delhi's total.
The Darts, however, could assure themselves going a lot sterner on Saturday, as they will be the last to tee off on Day 2 and will have to complete playing their last four-five holes under lights.
They were retained in the team leaderboard by Shubhkamna UP Eagles, while Maharashtra 59ers were boasting third at eight-under. Tamil Nadu Pullees and Witalsee Punjab Lancers were tied fourth.
Edfors' bogey-free 14-hole round was included with six fine birdies. "It was great fun. I had a solid round. It is nice to get into the second round with a good cushion," said Edfors.
"I have played in the same group as Rahil twice before on the Asian Tour and we were recalling that as we played along. Rahil did well initially and then I had a good back stretch (of seven holes)."
Gangjee, who has received an Asian Tour card for the current season, mentioned: "We jelled well as we have played together before. I had five birdies and missed one or two more by a whisker. But I will take a five-under in a 14-hole round any day. Hopefully, we can continue the good work over the next two days. A win here will be a great start to the season."
With the sporting season underway with full charge, it now appears that the GPL will hit big time soon. Players like Gangjee will surely be able to display their best shots for sure.
