Amandeep aims for encore at Lucknow in women's golf meet

Panchkulas Amandeep Drall will draw inspiration from her stellar domestic form and look to capitalise on her No.1 ranking in the 16th leg of the Hero Womens Professional Golf Tour 2016 to be played at the The Palms Golf Club & Resort here from Thursday.

Amandeep, who currently leads the Hero Order of Merit with earnings of Rs 10,61,534 ($15,425.9), has registered four wins from 12 appearances.

She has been one of the most consistent players this year and will look to fiercely protect the top position and secure her fifth win this season.

A win here will consolidate her No.1 ranking, and put her in strong contention for the 'Player of the Year' award.

Delhi's Vani Kapoor is currently placed second in the Hero Order of Merit with a total earning of Rs 10,21,150 ($14,842.1) and has posted six wins in 11 appearances this season. A win here will help her equalise the record for most wins in a season currently held by Smriti Mehra.

Vani, who showcased a commendable performance at the recently concluded Hero Women's Indian Open 2016, will, however, face a strong challenge from Amandeep.

A notable absentee in the 16th leg is Kolkata's Neha Tripathi, who is currently placed third on the Hero Order of Merit. She had to miss the Lucknow event due to her overseas commitments.

Kapurthala's Gursimar Badwal, sitting fourth in the money list, will be eager to register her second win this year.

Gursimar, who has been guilty of letting potentially winning situations slip away, will look to break the jinx and climb up the money ladder.

Chandigarh's Saaniya Sharma occupying the fifth position in the money list will also be hoping for her first professional title this season.

Other players to watch out for will be Pune's Shweta Galande, Delhi's Ankita Tiwana and overseas player Kiran Matharu, who had a top 10 finish at the recently concluded Hero Women's Indian Open 2016.

--IANS

pur/vt