Kuching (Malaysia), May 21 (IANS) Indian golfer Samarth Dwivedi carded a two-under 70 to finish tied third in the first round of the Malaysian Amateur Open here on Thursday.

Currently No.2 on the Indian Golf Union (IGU) Order of Merit list, Dwivedi was tied with Australian duo of Harrison Endycott and Justin Warren in a four-day stroke-play championship.

Dwivedi, who was also part of the Indian contingent at the Incheon Asian Games last year, fired four birdies and two bogeys to stay two shots behind leader Marc Ong of Singapore.

“Overall, I am happy with the way I played with my new clubs. The course conditions were fine but the ball was not rolling the way I wanted it to be. The greens are playing pretty fast so I need to improve more on my putting tomorrow to remain in contention,” said the 22-year-old.

Another Indian in the fray, Aman Raj, ranked third on the IGU Order of Merit, disappointed as he returned with a card of eight-over 80 to sit on tied 71st position.

“I started the day with three pars in a row but after that my putts were not sinking. I just need to play my game without thinking about my first round tomorrow,” said Raj.