With Jeev deciding to strut his stuff in the Volvo World Match Play Championship in Spain rather than defend his title, Randhawa stepped up to the plate to led the Indian campaign and overcame a poor start to lie three shots off lead.
A 10th tee starter, Randhawa bogeyed the 13th and 14th hole to go two-under before picking up a stroke on the 18th to lie one-over at the turn.
Things looked much improved in the other nine and Randhawa kept it bogey-free while sinking three birdies to settle for a two-under card.
Digvijay Singh (72) and S S P Chowrasia (76) were the two other Indians who could finish their round before a three-hour lightning suspension earlier in the day cut short the proceeding.
Chowrasia's chance of hanging on for weekend action now looks slim after the Kolkata pro finished his round without a single birdie against his name.
After two par shots, Chowrasia stumbled to a triple bogey on the par-four third hole and, on his way back, bogeyed the 11th and 15th to go five-over.
Among other Indians in the fray, veteran Gaurav Ghei was one-under after six holes, Shiv Kapur going even-par after 13 holes, C Muniyappa also even-par after seven holes.
Rising star Gaganjeet Bhullar was two-over after 10 holes, having already dropped two bogeys and a double bogey as against a couple of birdies.
They were among the 78 players who would resume their first round tomorrow morning.
England�s Ian Poulter shot a superb five-under 66 to take the clubhouse lead in the USD five million event.

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