Among others, Kolkata pro SSP Chowrasia carded 69 to lie tied 32nd while Delhi lad Shiv Kapur's one-over 72 had him tied 85th.

Paired with Colin Montgomerie and Miguel Angel Jimenez, Jeev had, by and large, a satisfying round with the 17th hole bogey being the lone blot on the card. Jeev said he could still feel the pain in his ribs but was happy with the show.

"I played the pro-am with an anti-inflammatory patch on, and it wasn't too bad. There was a bit of discomfort, but it felt much better than during the US Open time. And the good news is that I am hitting the ball quite ok," he said.

"I am pleased with my opening-round three-under 68. I made only one bogey, and that was the irritating part. It came on the 17th hole for me - eighth of the course - and I hate making bogeys in the last couple of holes," said the Indian.

"I don't mind a couple of early bogeys, but when you drop shots later in the round, it shows perhaps your focus wasn't 100 per cent there," he explained.

Jeev said he liked the course and was hoping for a good finish on Sunday. "It is one of my favourite events on the Tour and the main reason for that is the Le Golf National course. It is one golf course where I always seem to do well. I was 12th in 2007 and 21st last year and I am looking forward to improving on that this year. I am playing three successive weeks - the Scottish Open and the Open Championship after this - and these are going to be very important in consolidating my position as far as The Race to Dubai is concerned," Jeev said.

On being paired with Montgomerie and Jiminez, Jeev said it was an honour for him. "This is an honour...Colin, obviously, is the captain of European Ryder Cup team, while Miguel is playing his 500th event on the European Tour. The cigar-smoking Spaniard is one of the great characters on our Tour - much loved by his peers for his affable nature and much respected for his skills.