LAHORE, Jan. 24 -- National golfer Hussain Hamid stamped his authority on the opening day of the Annual Gymkhana Golf Championship, emerging as the early leader after carding a solid gross score of 73 to take control of the leaderboard.

Hamid's composed and consistent performance in challenging conditions set him apart in a fiercely competitive field, as several top contenders mounted spirited challenges in the race for one of the most prestigious titles on the local golfing calendar. His score proved decisive and has positioned him as the man to beat heading into the final round.

Trailing Hamid is Danish Javed, who sits in second place with a gross 75, while Mohsen Zafar and Salman Jehangir are locked just behind on gross 76, keeping t...