Ajeetesh Sandhu, Stepan Danek Lead Chennai Open

Ajeetesh Sandhu and Stepan Danek took the lead after the first round of the Chennai Open 2026, carding matching seven-under 65s at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course.

The tournament, powered by Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited, has a prize purse of INR 1 crore.

Sandhu, a 37-year-old former Asian Tour winner from Chandigarh, made eight birdies and a solitary bogey on the par-four 12th.

Danek, a 29-year-old from the Czech Republic, joined Sandhu at the top with a flawless round containing seven birdies.

Chandigarh's Jairaj Singh Sandhu, Delhi's Rashid Khan, and Pawan Verma are tied for third place with a six-under 66.

Rashid, who won the Telangana Open two weeks ago, is looking to continue his winning streak.

Ajeetesh, a five-time winner on the DP World PGTI, made the most of the scoring opportunities early and late in his round, including birdies on the 16th and 18th.

He credited his experience on the Asian Tour for helping him cope with the humid conditions.

Danek credited his putting and ability to sustain momentum throughout the round, making birdie on every par five.

The current leader of the Race to the DP World India Championship, Saptak Talwar, opened with a five-under 67 to share sixth place.

Defending champion N Thangaraja began his title defence with a three-under 69 and is tied for 16th place.

The DP World Professional Golf Tour of India is the official governing and sanctioning body for men's professional golf in India.

It is a recognised member of the International Golf Federation and the International Federation of PGA Tours, and has a strategic alliance with the DP World Tour.

The tournament will continue to determine the top-24 players from the DP World PGTI Order of Merit who will earn their spots at the season-ending DP World India Championship.

The Chennai Open 2026 is an important event in the golf calendar, with many top players competing for the coveted title.

The tournament is expected to be closely contested, with many players still in the running for the top spot.

As the tournament progresses, it will be interesting to see who emerges as the winner.