Aditi blitzes course for T4 finish at NSW Open; Diksha is seventh

By Rahul Banerji

Three-time Ladies European Tour winner Aditi Ashok returned the day’s best card to finish in a share of fourth place at the Women’s NSW Open in Dubbo, Australia, on Sunday.

With Diksha Dagar brining in a tied seventh placing, it meant that Sunday saw the rare sight of two Indians in the top 10 on an overseas tour event.

Swedish teenager Julia Engstrom scored a remarkable come from behind victory over day three leader Manon De Roey.

Late slip

While Engstrom was on fire on her inward nine, the Belgian stumbled late to drop four shots in her last six holes, allowing the Swede through for a maiden LET title. Engstrom finished in style with birdie on the final hole.

“It’s been a great week and I’m just thrilled,” Engström, the LET Rookie of the Year in 2017, was quoted as saying on the Tour’s website.

“I bogeyed 18 in all three previous rounds and I decided that this time, I was not going to bogey it and I hit a great shot and I didn’t realise how close it was until I heard the reaction from the crowd. It was amazing and a great finish to a great week.”

Day’s best

Aditi, though, had the day’s best round, a 5-under 67 that saw her make significant gains on the leader-board. Her outbound nine mixed three birdies against two bogeys but India’s first LET titleist was on fire inbound with four birdies against no dropped shots.

“Loved the way I finished the week @dubbogolf @LETgolf #NSWWomensOpen Thanks @GolfAust @GolfNSW @ALPGtour for the environment friendly bottles, great idea.

“Thanks to spectators, volunteers & the greenskeeping staff this week. Fully enjoyed & can’t wait to be back next year.” Aditi tweeted later.

Diksha was going well with two birdies against as many dropped shots but a double on her back nine saw her bring in the first over-par card for the tournament and an overall tied seventh place on 6-under 282.

Aditi was 10-under 278 at the end, four shots behind the winner.

Also read: Aditi finishes best Indian at Oz Ladies Classic; Asian card for Baisoya