Bangalore: Sharmila Nicollet will take the confidence of winning the season’s opening event last week, as she tees up for the second event of the Hero-WGAI Women’s Pro Tour at Clover Greens in Bangalore. Sharmila, who also plays on the Ladies European Tour, has been paired with Priya Puri and Neha Tripathi.

Vani Kapoor, the new face in Indian women’s pro golf, will also full of enthusiasm after a great start in her debut event. The 18-year-old Vani, led by four shots into the final round before a stunning comeback by Sharmila saw the clash go into a play-off where she edged out Vani.

Sharmila said, “I was very pleased with me game in the final round. It was a bogey free round and I putted well. My coach Tarun (Sardesai) was with me on the bag and he made me read the putts and that helped a lot.”

Vani on the other hand was happy with her debut. “It would have been nice to start with a win, but Sharmila was superb on the final day. Anyway I am still on the learning curve and it was good start. I need to build on it,” said Vani.

Smriti Mehra, the first Indian women’s pro to make a mark on the world circuit, is also back and will play alongside Mita Gowande and amateur Ankita Kedalya. Nalini Singh Siwach, third last week, will play with Nikki Ponappa and Meghna Bal.

The event carries a purse of Rs. 5 lakhs and is the second in the schedule of the Tour which has 12 events.

By Indian Sports News Network