Charlotte, May 16 -- Venezuelan Jhonattan Vegas, who has never finished in Top-20 at a Major, shot his best score in a Major with a 7-under 64 that gave him a two-shot lead in a field that has 98 of the world's Top-100 players.

Another player of Indian interest, Akshay Bhatia carded 1-under 70 to be Tied-29th, but Sahith Theegala pulled out the night before the first day as his strained neck continued to affect his movements. The two Indian-Americans, as also Rai, played the Tour Championships last year and were in the Top-30 of the world. Bhatia and Theegala are Hero Global Ambassadors.

As World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler shot 2-under 69 and World No. 2 Rory McIlroy carded 3-over 74, Indo-British Aaron Rai did well to shoot 4-under 67 and...