Sharmila wins title for second week running

BANGALORE - Sharmila Nicollet stamped her authority for the second week in a row as she annexed the Hero Honda KGA Women’s Golf title here Thursday.

The local girl, who won the title by 14 shots last week was 13 shots clear this week as she took a clear lead in the Order of Merit race on the Hero Honda Women’s Professional Golf Tour.

Sharmila was for the first time this week matched by someone, as her card of 74 was the same as Saaniya Sharma, who was second. Sharmila ended the three-round event at three-over 239, while Saaniya was 16-over 232.

Rani Sonti, another local and a teaching professional, was third at 18-over 234 with a final round of 75. Nalini Singh Siwach (77) was fourth at 19-over 236.

Talking of her play on the final day, winner, Sharmila said, “Putting let me down today, I played with no pressure but I was a bit too aggressive. The greens were very tricky, fast and challenging. It’s nice to win second time at my hometown.”

Nikita Arjun was the top amateur. She tied for overall sixth.

“Today’s game taught me about the need to be mentally tough. I had a good round except for 1 hole. Overall, it has been a good experience playing along with the pros and learning from them certain nuances of the game,” Nikita said.

The third leg of the Tour will be held at ITC, Gurgaon from Sep 14.