Local favourite S.S.P Chowrasia is among a five-strong group at the top of the leaderboard at the Indian Open at Delhi Golf Club, while Australians Kalem Richardson and Scott Barr are joint for sixth.
Chowrasia had a six-under-par round of 65, level-pegging at the top with Canada's Richard Lee, Thailand's Chapchai Nirat, Bangladeshi star Siddikur Rahman and Swede Joakim Lagergren on Thursday's start to the four-day event.
Chowrasia's strong showing evoked memories of his victory on the same course at the 2008 Indian Masters where he defeated a field that included South Africa's Ernie Els.
"I've played here many times so I know how to play this course," Chowrasia said after completing his round.
"I made some good putts and was hitting it good off the tees. It looked easy but it wasn't! My putting was good so that's the key," the 36-year-old told the Asian Tour's website.
His partner Lee said he was delighted at having tamed what he called "a really challenging course" in the centre of the Indian capital.
"You have to hit the right shots at the right times and I managed to make a few putts too. I like playing tight courses like this one," he added.
Richardson and Barr shot four-under 67s to sit in a nine-way tie for sixth place, while fellow Australian Marcus Fraser was two shots back on 69, and Marcus Both and Sam Brazel recorded 70s.
The $US1.5 million ($A1.9 million) event is co-sanctioned by the Asian and European tours.
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