Muaj Mohammad had never made the cut in Bangladesh's Asian Tour events in his previous two attempts. In fact, the Savar-based golfer had never managed to shoot better than two-under in international events.

So, when he came to the clubhouse of the Kurmitola Golf Club with a card of six-under-par (65) on the opening day of the Bangabandhu Cup Golf Open, Muaj was as sur-

prised as everyone else.

“I didn't expect myself to shoot six-under. It feels really nice. I gave myself a lot of birdie chances actually but I made a few mistakes out there," the youngster told reporters.

Having missed the cut in his previous two attempts, Muaj was only thinking about making the cut here. While he is in second position at the moment, Muaj is still mindful of the past and hence he is not looking too far ahead of himself.

"Before the event I didn't have many expectations. I came here with the target of making the cut. I still want to ensure the cut first and then look forward, ” said Muaj.

His secret to the first-round success, Muaj believes, is not taking any pressure." I made a bogey, missing the target by only a few yards, on the third hole So I told myself that it wasn't a big mistake. I just tried to play normally without taking pressure which is what helped me get this score. ”