Golfer Vani starts favourite in Ahmedabad

Buoyed by her winning start to the season, Delhi's Vani Kapoor would seek an encore in the Rs.7 lakh second leg of the Hero Women's Professional Golf Tour which will see 14 pros vying for the top spot at the Kalhaar Blues and Greens here from January 12 to 14.

Vani is in stellar form and showed glimpses of why she is one of the most sought after talents in the country when she came from behind to claim the first title of the season at the Kensville Golf and Country Club. The 2015 Player of the Year pocketed Rs.1.47 lakh for her efforts in the first leg and will look to consolidate her position atop the Order of Merit.

However, she is expected to face tough competition from Kiran Matharu and Saaniya Sharma.

England's Kiran Mathru led the field for the first two days before falling behind in the last few holes to finish as runner-up in the first leg. She would be keen to make amends and will be eyeing her maiden title of the season. Kiran is currently second in the Order of Merit with Rs.1.19 lakh.

Chandigarh's Saaniya impressed everyone with a strong comeback in the first leg. She finished third and would like to keep the momentum going.

Panchkula's Amandeep Drall and Kolkata's Smriti Mehra did not have the best outings in the last event and would be eager to make an impact. Others to watch out for are Kolkata's Neha Tripathi, Pune's Shweta Galande and Delhi duo of Mehar Atwal and Ankita Tiwana.

The idyllic par 72 course is spread over 175 acres and has been set at 6,092 yards.