Gurbani clinches Usha Southern India golf title

Overnight leader Gurbani kept her nose ahead with two birdies and one bogey, all on the front nine, as she romped home by three-shots over a fast-charging Gauri Monga, who carded the day's best of two-under 70 to finish second.

Gurbani aggregated 219 for three rounds, while Monga, making a comeback after a year's lay-off, shot 222 in her second event of the season.

Aditi Ashok, who was expected to challenge Gurbani in the final round, failed on the last day with a round of 79 and a total of 228, while defending champion Mehar Atwal ended fourth with a final round of 76 and a total of 235, where she was tied with Ridhima Dilawari (78). Raksha Phadke (79) was sixth at 236.

The 16-year-old Gurbani, who won three events last season but ended third in the Order of Merit, was also second in the opening event of the season -- Usha Delhi Ladies Golf -- which was won by Aditi. So, Gurbani not only picked her first title of 2012 season, but also avenged her defeat at the hands of Aditi.

For Gauri Monga, it was a fine comeback and should make the season interesting with her clashes with Gurbani and Aditi.

There was a shock for first round leader, Amandeep Drall, who was disqualified for a wrong card.

Gurbani topped Category A with 219 and Raksha was second at 236, while Aditi topped Category B with 228 and Ridhima was second at 235.

In Category C, Tanrika Singh shot 85 in the final round for a three-day total of 260, way ahead of Arshia Mahant (90) at 277. Riya Ahuja (94) and Harneka Toor Kaur (95) also tied for second at 277.

In category D, Vasudhara Tihara (89) topped at 273, two shots ahead of Tanishka Kumar (90) at 275.