Jakarta, July 23 - Fresh from his British Open experience, Gaganjeet Bhullar, seen as the rising star of Indian golf, shot a three-under 69 to be three off the lead at the end of the first round of the Indonesia President Invitational here Thursday.

The lead in the $400,000 Asian Tour event was shared by Thai star Thaworn Wiratchant, Finland's Pasi Purhonen and Australian duo Marcus Both and Darren Beck who all fired matching six-under-par 66s.

Bhullar was the best Indian at tied 15th, while Amandeep Johl, Rahil Gangjee and Manav Jaini shot two-under 70 each to be tied 30th. Anirban Lahiri was tied 47th at 71 and Himmat Rai and Digvijay Singh were tied at 64th with an even par 72. Gaurav Ghei went two over 74 to be 98th and C Muniyappa struggled with a seven-over 79.

'I have played this course two times previously. The last time I played, I finished second over here so I've got good memories of this golf course,' said Bhullar.

'Everything on this course is almost the same except the greens where they made new greens.