Anirban Lahiri Leads Asian Charge at British Open

India's Anirban Lahiri emerged as the leading Asian player after day one of The Open when he posted a three-under-par 69 to take a share of 18th place on Thursday.

Sweden's Rikard Karlberg, a two-time Asian Tour winner, also put the spotlight on the region's premier Tour by carding a 70 to trail first round leader Dustin Johnson of the United States by five shots in tied-24th position at St Andrews, the Home of Golf.

Thailand's Thongchai Jaidee, who opened his campaign strongly by running out in 34, struggled in his inward-nine by mixing three bogeys and a birdie for a 72 and a share of 64th place.

While he was satisfied with his opening round efforts, Lahiri hopes that other players from the Asian Tour can better their first round scores as the world's oldest Major heads into its second round at St Andrews, the Home of Golf.

"I know I played pretty solid today and I hope more of us can do better over the next three days. Hopefully one of us can get into the mix on Sunday," said Lahiri.

Karlberg, who teed off in the last group, got off strongly with four birdies in his first 10 holes.

The father-to-be, however dropped two shots in his last three holes under fading light to see his advantage being reduced.

"It was tough right from the start as it was very windy. I was four-under for a long time and I really tried my best to hold on to that. But in the end it was so dark that I could hardly see the line and I bogeyed two of my last three holes," said Karlberg.

Merit champions Kiradech Aphibarnrat of Thailand and Korean-American David Lipsky signed for matching 73s for a share of 87th place while the Australian pair of Scott Hend and Marcus Fraser together with American Jonathan Moore were a further shot back in tied-109 after posting identical 74s.

China's Liang Wen-chong will be aiming for a better showing after he returned with an 80.