Pakistan gets right back in the swing

KARACHI - Birds were released over fairways and ceremonial drives were struck as international golf returned to Pakistan after an 11-year absence.

A field of 132 players from around the globe were teeing up in the Asian Tour's UMA CNS Open Championship at Karachi Golf Club, the latest thawing of relations with the militant-plagued country that has spent years in the sporting wilderness.

"Coming back to Pakistan is a fantastic opportunity for us," Robert Andrew, event director of the Asian Tour said, brushing off any security concerns.