Diksha Dagar makes strong start at New South Wales Open

By Rahul Banerji

Indian teenager Diksha Dagar returned a 3-under par 69 to sit in tied fifth place two shots behind the leaders after the first day of the Women’s New South Wales Open in Dubbo, Australia, on Thursday.

Diksha, the youngest Indian to win an overseas professional title at 18, had something of a roller-coaster round on Thursday that included seven birdies and four bogeys, but declared herself satisfied with the day’s work.

“I feel my game has come back,” she said afterwards. “I’m hitting the ball long and straight and after a long time I was able to make all the putts.

“I’m gaining more confidence and feel my game has come back. I’m happy with my score.”

Critical momentum

Diksha picked up momentum during last year’s swing Down Under, finishing tied fifth at this event before going on to record her historic win at the Investec South Africa Women’s Open, a Ladies European Tour event, shortly afterwards.

The left-hander was two shots shy of Scotland’s Michele Thomson and Emma Dryburg, the early leaders.

Three-time LET winner Aditi Ashok was in tied 40^th place on 1-over 73 with teh remaining Indians in the field strung out further astern.

Gaurika Bishnoi held a share of 50t place on on-over 74, Astha Madan had a 78, Tvesa Malik 79, while domestic tour sensation Ridhima Dilawari had struggled to a 9-over 81.

Even split

Starting from the back nine, Diksha opened with a birdie and picked up a further three shots against two bogies. Her return nine was evenly split with two birdies and two dropped shots and she had seven pars overall on the day.

“I’m hitting it long and straight, because I worked hard on my fitness, doing push ups and strengthening my shoulders and lower body,” Diksha noted.

Last year, she finished in tied fifth place on 6-under 278 (72-67-69-79), six shots behind repeat winner Meghan McLaren of England, while Amandeep Drall was T18 on 2-under 282 (73-70-70-69).

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