Kolkata: Smriti Mehra maintained her lead at the top as she carded a 77 at the end of the second round of the 10th leg of the Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour on Thursday. But she was chased by Nalini Singh Siwach, who shot a fine round of 74 and moved to 153, two behind Smriti.

On a day when play was delayed because of rain, scoring was tough and the best came from Nalini, whose 74 included two bogeys and 16 pars. Smriti had three birdies and seven bogeys in her 77. Smriti had 75 on first day and Nalini shot 79 in the first round.

Vandana Aggarwal, second overnight slipped to tied eighth after a round of 86.

This is the first-ever WGAI event in Kolkata and carries a purse of Rs. 3,00,000 and concludes on February 17.

The top two on annual Hero OOM will receive two LET exemptions in the 2012-13 season. In addition the top four will be granted exemption to play in the LET Access series in Europe.