Christchurch: Sharmila Nicollet opened with a round of 78 in windy conditions in ISPS Handa New Zealand Women’s Open hosted by Christchurch on Friday. This is Sharmila’s debut event since she secured her full card to the Tour. Sharmila, only the second Indian to qualify for the LET Tour, played in the afternoon windy conditions while those in morning played in still and sunny conditions at the Pegasus Golf and Sports Club.

Nicollet started with three pars and a birdie on the par-4 fourth hole. But then she struggled bogeying fifth and eighth. On the back nine, she bogeyed the 10th, double bogeyed the 13th,, 15th and 18th to finish at 78 and was tied 87th.

Kiran Matharu, English player of Indian origin, made a modest start with a one-over 73. She opened with a birdie on first and then had bogeys on sixth and 14th and parred the rest, as she is placed tied 49th.

Amateur Emily Perry, Kiwi Lynnette Brooky, Kym Larratt (England) and Joanna Klatten (France) shared the lead with a round of 67 each.