By Rahul Banerji
Seher Atwal completed yet another winning run at the Poona Club Golf Course but needed to survive some anxious moments en route on Friday.
It was a stressful final round for the event favourite in the opening leg of the Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour as she carded a five-over 77.
Even that, though, was to seal her third win in three years.
Seher, who led by two shots after 36 holes, had three bogeys against one birdie in the first six holes.
She steadied herself with eight pars in a row and seemed well placed to win despite Ridhima Dilawari gaining ground on the back nine with two birdies.
Three bogeys for the leader then left Seher just one ahead of Ridhima who could have forced a play-off with birdie but failed.
Seher then played out for par on the closing hole.
It was still a good start to the season for Seher, who hopes to get playing time on the Ladies European Tour beginning with the Magical Kenya Open early next month.
Early lead
The win also meant an early lead in the Hero Order of Merit, where she was second in 2022.
Ridhima (73), who had five birdies, took second place. She also conceded two doubles and three bogeys in her round.
Gauri Karhade (72) had the day’s best round to end third on 10-over 223 while Neha Tripathi (74) was fourth on 224.
Amateur Vidhatri Urs (74) and Sneha Singh (74) were tied for fifth, while another amateur Lavanya Jadon (76) was seventh.
Nishna Patel (74) and Saaniya Sharma (75) were tied for eighth and Khushi Khanijau (76) completed the top 10.
Early leaders Nayanika Sanga (78) and Shagun Narain (87) had forgettable final rounds and finished tied for 11th place.
Seher Atwal received her winner’s trophy and cheque from Ikram Khan, captain of Poona Club Golf Course.
The second leg will be played at the Bombay Presidency Golf Club from January 18.
Also read: Clean round gives Seher the lead in Pune leg of Hero WPGT
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