Detroit, Aug. 1 -- Akshay Bhatia making a start after taking a week off after the Open where he missed the cut, shot 2-under 68 for a modest start at the Rocket Classic. The left-handed Bhatia was lying T-48 and needed to stay steady to ensure passage into the weekend rounds.

Another Indian origin player, Sudarshan Yellamaraju (69) was T-72 amidst a bunch of low scores and he was around the cut line. Two other top Indian origin players, Aaron Rai and Sahith Theegala are skipping the week.

Peter Malnati, who had a rough season and missed more cuts than he has made this season, got a big boost as he shot a career-best 9-under 61 to tie a tournament record in the first round of the Rocket Classic, giving him a two-shot lead.

Rickie Fowler...