Sharmila in sight of second straight title in Women’s Pro golf

BANGALORE - Sharmila Nicollet opened up a whopping 13-shot lead at the end of the second round of the second leg of the Hero Honda Women’s Professional Golf Tour of India.

The 19-year-old local golfer, who had four birdies in the first sub-par round of the tournament with a 71, is now one-over 145, following a first round of 74.

Sharmila won the first leg last week at Eagleton by 14 shots and now looks to do even better than that.

Sharmila is 13 shots clear of second placed Nikita Arjun (80-78), who was tied with Saaniya Sharma (80-78).

Sharmila said: “My ball striking was really good. The greens played faster than yesterday, which I am happy about. My approaches were my strong point today. I was within 10 feet on most of the holes but some of my putts were disappointing. I have a good lead for tomorrow which gives me an opportunity to be aggressive with no pressure.”

Young amateur Nikita said: “I played really well today. It was a privilege to play with Sharmila. I was happy with my putting but I know I can do much better. Even though today was a good round I still have one more round to go so, I am not going to take things for granted.”

Saaniya, who had three birdies, gave away seven bogeys and one double bogey. She said, “I found the greens difficult. Every green I missed I bogeyed. But I had 13 regulations.”