'It will not be easy to shoot low scores at the KGA this week as the rain will also play a part. I predict a winning score of around six under. Nevertheless, I hope to do well this week as I have a good record at this venue. I won an amateur event here in 2002,' he added.

Murthy, who spent most of his formative golfing years at the KGA before shifting to Belgaum, made six birdies and four bogeys on the opening day. He came up with a great third shot from the rough on the fifth to earn a creditable birdie. His third shot was from 60 yards out and landed three feet short of the pin. He also made a good birdie on the 10th, where he converted a 20 feet putt.

Bangalore's C. Muniyappa was joint fourth along with Ali Sher, Vinod Kumar, Shamim Khan, Mohd. Siddikur Rahman and Manav Jaini at one-under 71.

Three other Bangalore golfers R. Srinivas, M. Dharma and Gaurav Diwan carded scores of even par 72 to share 10th place along with Mukesh Kumar, Anirban Lahiri, S. Chikkarangappa (amateur), A. S. Lehal, Amit Dube and Raju Ali Mollah.

Defending champion Rahul Ganapathy occupied tied 69th place as he fired six-over 78 in round one.