Tripathi surges ahead in golf meet

Neha Tripathi (FILE PHOTO)

Kolkata - Neha Tripathi played a flawless back-nine of three-under 33 to come up with an even par 72 that catapulted her into the lead at the end of two rounds in the opening event of the 2013 Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour here on Wednesday.

Playing at the historic Royal Calcutta Golf Club, Neha, lying second after the first round of 77, now has a total of 149 and four shots clear of seasoned Smriti Mehra (77-76). First round leader Vani Kapoor plummeted with an 80 for a total of 155.

After three pars and a birdie on fourth, Neha had a tough time on the front nine as she bogeyed fifth and sixth followed by a double bogey on seventh. She turned in three-over 39, but reversed her fortunes on the back nine with birdies on 10th and 11th and a series of six pars before ending the day with a final birdie on 18th.

The second best card of the day came from Smriti Mehra who had one birdie on the par-5 fourth, three bogeys and a double bogey on 10th.

Vani was unable to come to terms with the course in third round. She had three bogeys on front nine and then came a quadruple on par-4 12th, followed by a double on par-3 13th. She ended with four pars and a birdie on 18th for a card of 80.

Rani Sonti (85-78) was fourth, while Ankita Tiwana (80-86) and Vandana Agarwal (79-87) were tied for fifth.