Chandigarh’s Akshay takes lead on opening day of Chennai Open

Chandigarh’s Akshay Sharma took the opening day lead with a 9-under 63, at the Chennai Open 2025. The 35-year-old, a two-time winner on the PGTI, enjoyed a three-stroke advantage as clubhouse leader on day one as he came up with a flawless effort that featured a closing hole eagle and seven birdies. Delhi’s Arjun Prasad, who is currently second on the PGTI Order of Merit, was tied second in the clubhouse at 6-under 66 along with Gurugram-based Manu Gandas. In the field of 126 players, as many as 24 players were yet to complete round one when the reports last came in.

Sharma was off to an unbelievable start as he sank birdies on the first four holes where he used his irons and wedges to great effect by landing it within five feet on three occasions. He continued to impress with his short-game to add three more birdies till the 14th. He drained a 36-footer on the ninth and played a near-perfect approach on the 14th. Sharma capped his round in style with a 42-feet eagle conversion on the 18th.

“I hit a lot of good shots and the terrific start gave me a good momentum early on. Since it rained last night, the key was to adapt well to the conditions. So, a lot of focus was on to keep it in play and away from the rough,” said the opening day leader.