Golfer Vani keen to regain form in Kashmir

Delhi youngster Vani Kapoor will be keen to return to winning ways in the ninth leg of the Hero Women's Professional Golf Tour to be played at the picturesque Royal Springs Golf Course here.

Vani has played impressively this season and would be eager to consolidate her position atop the money list as the tour resumes after a break of three months. The Rs.7 lakh event will see 12 professionals and two amateurs fighting it out for the top spot and will be played from June 23 to 25.

Order of Merit leader Vani has three victories in eight outings this season with total earnings of Rs.7,85,867. However, she has been off colour in the last three events and will look to make amends here. She is expected to face tough competition from Panchkula's Amandeep Drall and Kolkata's Neha Tripathi.

Amandeep has been impressive in her rookie year and is placed third in the Order of Merit list with Rs.5,06,867 in eight appearances. Neha, on the other hand, hasn't been at her best and is fourth on the money list with Rs.4,83,966. Both golfers will push hard for their maiden victory of the season.

The event will also see the maiden appearance of Afshan Fatima as the latest addition. Amateurs Gurbani Singh and Millie Saroha will be keen to make an impact in the presence of some of top professionals. Other players to look out for are Gauri Monga, Ankita Tiwana and Saaniya Sharma. Sharmila Nicollet, however, will not be seen in action.

The par 72 course, spread over 300 acres, is one of the most picturesque courses in India with the Zabarwan hills in the background and the Dal lake around the corner. The tour comprises 19 legs spanning across India.