Vani Kapoor fights back to lead in Hero women's golf

Indian golfer Vani Kapoor Thursday carded even-par 72 to take one shot lead at the end of the second round of the Hero-RCGC Women's Professional Golf Championship at the Royal Calcutta Golf Club here.

Vani finished with a two-day total of 145 to top the leaderboard, enjoying a single stroke lead going into final round Friday as overnight leader Kiran Matharu of England slipped a place after scoring two-over 74.

Following Vani and Kiran are local girl Neha Tripathi and rookie Amandeep Drall at tied third place, with identical totals of 149.

Vani played a cautious second round after starting the day at the second position. Her round consisted of two birdies on the fourth and sixth against bogeys on the third and 10th holes.

Kiran's round included a couple of birdies on the 13th and 17th holes against four bogeys on the first, third, 12th and 18th.

Neha's second round of 73 consisted of four birdies on the first, fourth, eighth and 15th against five bogeys on the third, fifth, sixth, seventh and 11th.

Rookie Amandeep's birdie-less round of three-over 75 consisted of three bogeys on the sixth, seventh and 18th.

Bengaluru golfer Sharmila Nicollet finished fifth with a total of 151.

She carded four bogeys on the third, fourth, 11th and 14th holes, along with a double bogey on the sixth hole. Her otherwise forgettable round consisted of only two birdies on the ninth and 16th.

Delhi golfers Ankita Tiwana and Gauri Monga finished the day with scores of 76 and 77, respectively. They are currently placed at sixth and seventh positions, respectively.

Veteran Kolkata golfer Smriti Mehra finished the second round with a total of 156 and is currently placed eighth in the table.