Indian teams struggle on day two of Simone Asia Pacific Cup

By Rahul Banerji

Both Indian combinations in the team event of the inaugural $750,000 had a rough day at the Pondok Indah course in Jakarta, losing their second-round matches.

While India I, comprising of Diksha Dagar (75) and Gaurika Bishnoi (74)  went down to China’s Sui Xiang (73) and Shi Yuli (74), India 2 were overrun by Korea on a difficult day on the course.

Vani Kapoor brought in the day’s only sub-par card of 2-under 70 and Amandeep Drall added a 77 as experienced Koreans Hyo Joo Kim (68) and You Min Hwang (70) gave the Indians no chance.

On the team leaderboard, India 2 were in ninth place alongside Team Malaysia and Team China while India 1 shared 14^th place with Australia and Japan 1.

In the individual standings, Vani was best placed at tied 19^th on 4-over 148 (78-70). Diksha (74-75) and Amandeep (72-77) were in a share of 21^st place on 5-over 149 and Gaurika was T29 on 151 (77-74).

Surprise package

At the top of the leaderboard, the Philippines surprise package Princess Mary Superal led the way with a combined 7-under par 137 (66-71), moving up from T2 overnight.

The seasoned Lydia Ko was sole second on 6-under 138 (66-72) with the Korean contingent filling up the next four places.

Overnight leader So Yeon Ryu followed her first day 7-under 65 with a 3-over 75 on Friday to share fourth place with Hyo Joo Kim, one shot behind countrywoman Bomee Lee (67-72).

World number four Ko, highest-ranked player in the 44-strong field had three birdies against as many dropped shots while Princess put her nose in front with a steady 71.

Princess has in fact been a winner at Pondok Indah with a junior title from 2015 and she is giving the big names a serious run for their money.

“I have fond memories of this course and am happy to be back here,” Princess was quoted as saying after the first day.

“I hit my irons very well, my putting was also very good which led to this good score. For the next two days, I just have to focus on my own game and do what I have to do.”

Also read: India combinations start with wins at Simone Asia Pacific Cup