HWPGT 2016 Leg 2: Vani Kapoor starts as firm favourite at Kalhaar

Vani Kapoor Hero Womens Professional Golf TourAhmedabad: Buoyed by her winning start to the season, Delhi’s Vani Kapoor would seek an encore in the second leg of the Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour 2016 at the Kalhaar Blues and Greens, Ahmedabad. The INR 7,00,000 event will see 14 professionals vying for the top spot and will be played from 12th – 14th January.

Delhi’s Vani Kapoor has been in stellar form and showed glimpses of why she is one of the most sought after talents in the country when she came from behind to claim the first title of the season at the Kensville Golf and Country Club. The Hero Player of the Year 2015 pocketed INR 1,47,000 for her efforts in the first leg and she will look to consolidate her position atop the Hero Order of Merit. However, she is expected to face tough competition from Kiran Matharu and Saaniya Sharma.

Overseas player Kiran Mathru led the field for the first two days before falling behind in the last few holes to finish runner-up behind Vani in the first leg. She would be keen to make amends and will be eyeing her maiden title of the season. She is currently placed second in the Hero Order of Merit with earnings of INR 1,19,000. Chandigarh’s Saaniya Sharma impressed everyone with a strong comeback in the first leg. She finished third and would like to keep the momentum going.

Panchkula’s Amandeep Drall and Kolkata’s Smriti Mehra did not have the best of outings in the last event and would be eager to make an impact. Other golfers to watch out for are Kolkata’s Neha Tripathi, Pune’s Shweta Galande and Delhi duo of Mehar Atwal and Ankita Tiwana.

The idyllic par 72 course is spread over 175 acres and has been set at 6092 yards. It is all set to test the mental and physical calibre of the players.