Vani Kapoor does an encore in Ahmedabad, wins two in a row

January 14, 2016: Vani Kapoor completed a successful trip to Ahmedabad with her second straight tournament win, edging Kiran Matharu by just a solitary shot. Vani finished one under 215 to clinch her second title of the 2016 season in as many starts. Kiran played some exceptional golf to challenge the leader, but 70 in the final round fell just short at the end. (Latest Golf News)

The top ranked Indian golfer looked set for a commanding performance after starting the day with a four shot cushion. Kapoor made three birdies in the first nine holes to make the turn in 34 shots, strengthening her grip over the lead.

But a hat-trick of bogeys starting at the 10th saw her drop to over par for the round. A birdie at the 15th was negated by another bogey at the 17th hole. Eventually though her 73 was just enough to keep her opponents at bay and clinch victory.

Kiran threatened briefly after riding on an eagle par-5 12th hole but back to back bogeys at the 14th and 15th undid her efforts to overhaul the leader. Kiran was still the only woman this week to enjoy two rounds below par – she made 71 and 70 in the second and third round respectively.

Amandeep Drall finished three back in third spot after staying even for the second day running. Her score of 218 (74-72-72) helped her finish in third behind Vani and Kiran.

Gursimar Badwal was fourth, despite making a disappointing 77 on Friday. Her overall score of 227 was a dozen shots more than the score of Vani and eight behind Amandeep.

Ankita Tiwana made five birdies in the final round, but on a card strewn with colour she also suffered five double bogeys and two bogeys. Ankita signed on 79, just as she did in the first round for an overall score of 231 for fifth place.

First round leader Smriti Mehra could not keep her putter warm as the week progressed and her card of 73-79-80 dropped her to sixth one shot behind Ankita.

The third leg will be played at the historic Royal Calcutta Golf Club during the first week of February.