Thaindian News

New Delhi, Nov 23 (IANS) Gurbani Singh carded an impressive one-under 71 and opened a seven-shot lead at the end of the second round of the Usha DGC Ladies Open at the Delhi Golf Club here Wednesday.

Gurbani’s 71 was by far the best score of the day, while the next best was 74 by Astha Madan and Raksha Phadke (90-74).

Lying second seven shots behind was Millie Saroha (77-75) at 152 and Astha was third (82-74). Aditi Ashok disappointed with a second successive 78 and was fourth at 156, a total of 11 shots behind Gurbani (74-71). Aditi was tied fourth with Gursimar Badwal (79-77).

Gurbani, who will move to the top of the IGU Order of Merit with a win here - as leader Vani Kapoor was disqualified Tuesday and Mehar Atwal who is second chose to skip the event. Gurbani had birdies on first and eighth, both par-fives. She dropped a bogey on ninth and tenth but the birdie on 15th ensured she stayed under-par for the day at 71.

Millie had no birdies but one bogey on fifth on front nine. She had pars all through till the 18th, she double bogeyed for a seven and a 75.

Astha Madan shot three bogeys in a row from ninth to eleventh and one on the fifth to go four-over. But birdies on 12th and 18th, reduced her score to 74 and helped her move to third.

Gurbani has been in very good form this season, having already won the Army Ladies title. There is still the Eastern India and Usha All India Ladies Amateur left, making the Merit List battle very interesting.