{"id":2057,"date":"2023-09-09T02:08:07","date_gmt":"2023-09-09T02:08:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/news.pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/indias-sharma-leads-irish-open-after-round-one-the-express-tribune\/"},"modified":"2023-09-09T02:08:07","modified_gmt":"2023-09-09T02:08:07","slug":"indias-sharma-leads-irish-open-after-round-one-the-express-tribune","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakistaninewspaperlist.com\/news\/indias-sharma-leads-irish-open-after-round-one-the-express-tribune\/","title":{"rendered":"India’s Sharma leads Irish Open after round one | The Express Tribune"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\nLONDON:
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Shubhankar Sharma’s seven-under par 65 took the Indian to the top of the leaderboard after the first round of the Irish Open, as Rory McIlroy<\/a> carded a 69 on his return from a back injury.<\/p>\n

Sharma finished birdie-birdie-eagle to take a one-shot lead from a five-strong pack that includes Ryder Cup vice-captain Thomas Bjorn.<\/p>\n

McIlroy almost pulled out of the Tour Championship last month due to the back problem, which has limited his practice time.<\/p>\n

The Northern Irishman was just under one for his round after 16 holes, but a birdie-birdie finish kept him in contention just four shots back.<\/p>\n

“I think the two birdies in the last two holes sort of glossed over what was a pretty average day,” said the world number two.<\/p>\n

“It’s hard to say I’m rusty when I’ve only had a week off but I just haven’t had a chance to practice much and I just hit a few loose shots out there.”<\/p>\n

Defending champion Adrian Meronk, who expressed his shock and anger to be overlooked for a Ryder Cup wild card, also carded a 69 as he played alongside McIlroy.<\/p>\n

Shane Lowry’s selection ahead of Meronk was criticised due to the Irishman’s poor form of late.<\/p>\n

But he shot four-under for the day back on home soil and is hoping local support can cheer him on to a first victory in a year.<\/p>\n

“Take away everything else that’s in the next few weeks, this is a big week for me, ” Lowry said. “I want to go out there and play well and give myself a chance to win this tournament.<\/p>\n

“It’s only 45 minutes to an hour from where I’m from in Clara. I want the people to be getting on their buses on Sunday morning to come and watch me try and win this tournament.”<\/p>\n<\/div>\n