Smriti takes five-shot lead in first round of 14^th leg of Hero Women’s Pro Tour

Pune, March 21: A great finish saw Smriti Mehra card a three-under 68 in the opening round of the 14^th leg of the Hero Women’s Professional Tour on Wednesday. Playing at the Pune Golf Club, Smriti had an eagle and two birdies in last four holes to finish the day five shots ahead of Nalini Singh Siwach (73).

Smriti was one-over through 14 holes, before she had an eagle two on par-4 15^th and then had birdies on 17^th and 18^th. On the front nine she bogeyed the second, but got back that shot on the fifth. She got another birdies on seventh, but had back-to-back bogeys on eighth and ninth. She turned in one-over and then had five pars on the trot before finishing strongly.

Nalini, who has won three titles this season, had one birdie and three bogeys for her 73. Ankita Tiwana had two birdies against seven bogeys for the 76.

Vandana Aggarwal (77) was lying fourth while Saaniya Sharma (78) and Neha Tripathi (78) were tied for sixth. Last week’s winner Pallavi Jain struggled to an 81 and was lying seventh.

Currently Smriti leads the Money list with earnings of Rs. 6,69,600 while Nalini has earned Rs. 6,18,400. Sharmila is lying third (Rs. 470,400) but Neha Tripathi (4,18,250) has a chance of overhauling her with a good showing in last two legs.

This year Smriti has won five titles, while Nalini has three.