Ajeetesh Sandhu and Czech Republic’s Stepan Danek shot matching seven-under 65s to share the first-round lead at the ₹1 crore Chennai Open 2026. Jairaj Singh Sandhu, Rashid Khan and Pawan Verma were one shot behind, while Saptak Talwar carded 67 and defending champion N Thangaraja opened with 69.

Chennai, September 8, 2026: Ajeetesh Sandhu and Stepan Danek opened with matching seven-under 65s to take a one-shot lead after the first round of the INR 1 crore Chennai Open 2026 Powered by Chennai Petroleum Corporation Limited (CPCL), at the TNGF Cosmo Golf Course.

Sandhu And Danek Share Lead

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

Czech Republic’s 29-year-old Danek joined Sandhu at the top with a flawless round containing seven birdies. He is currently playing his third season on the DP World PGTI.