14 May, 2018: Thai teenager Saranporn Langkulgasettrin continued her impressive run with a playoff victory over Taiwan’s Chen Szu-han. The duo were tied at 11-under through 36 holes, needing a playoff to break the tie. Saranporn birdied the first playoff hole where Chen made a bogey to end the debate. Sharmila Nicollet and Vani Kapoor ended the week on a positive note.
“It’s crazy. I got eight-under in the final round and won the playoff,” said an elated Saranporn. “Last year I lost by two shots (following a final round 65). This year I am better and even win the game. That feels very amazing.
“In the playoff I shot the ball on the green and the position was the same as the first time (in regulation). I made two putts the first time. After Chen’s bogey I told myself two putts and make par is okay. Then I putted in and got a birdie. That’s really, really good.”
Indian women finished strong – Sharmila Nicollet shot two under 70 to inch inside the top twenty while Vani Kapoor shot her second straight 71 to finish in T29.
Sharmila made steady progress this week – firing scores of 73-72-70 to finish the week at one under 215 for a tie in 16th place.
The lady from Bengaluru shot four birdies and two bogeys in her final round, including a fine birdie on the final hole.
Vani got off to a rocky start in the first round, but has recovered well since then. The Delhi girl had shot 76 to start the week, but rose up the order with a 71 in both the second and third rounds.
The enterprising Indian made four straight birdies on Sunday. Vani posted six birdies in the final round, but also conceded three bogeys and a double bogey at the ninth hole.
Amandeep Drall, Smriti Mehra and Neha Tripathi were among those that missed the cut at the end of the second round.