Tvesa Malik needed all her experience to win a first title since September 2023 in a playoff against overnight leader Anvista Narender at the Oxford course in Pune on Thursday. Image courtesy WGAI.
By Rahul Banerji
Tvesa Malik ended a barren streak lasting over two years with her playoff win against overnight leader Anvitha Narender in Pune on Thursday.
Her win in leg three of the Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour at the Oxford Golf Resort came after the one in September 2023 at the DLF course in Gurgaon, the WGAI said.
Tvesa, who started Thursday a shot behind Anvitha, caught up on the fourth hole, where she bogeyed but Anvitha double bogeyed.
Anvitha dropped further shots on holes six and eight before picking up a birdie on nine.
The back nine was a see-saw affair as the lead switched more than once.
Tvesa, leading by one after the turn, extended it to two shots with a birdie on 11 but a double bogey on 12 meant they were level again.
Anvitha showed great resilience as she bogeyed 13 but birdied 15 and 16 even as Tvesa picked up a shot on 15 to stay in touch.
With two holes to go, Tvesa bogeyed 17 to fall behind as Anvitha parred. Tvesa needed a birdie on 18 to force a play-off and she delivered as both players were tied at 1 over 217.
Experience counts
Tvesa’s experience then saw her hold her neves in the play-off for a long-awaited win.
Riya Jadon (74) was sole third with three birdies against five bogeys, including three in a row from 14 to 16 which may have cost her a chance to contend.
Amateur Aradhana Manikandan (72) and Vani Kapoor (72) were tied for fourth place. They were the only players to shoot level par on the final day and there were no under par scores.
Mannat Brar (74) was sixth, while Ridhima Dilawari (75), Karishma Govind (74) and Shagun Narain (76) were tied for seventh place and Vidhatri Urs (74) rounded off the top 10.
Ridhima continues to lead the Hero Order of Merit, while Vani is now second and Jasmine third.
The tour stays on in Pune as the fourth leg of will be played at Poona Club Golf Course from February 17 to 19.
Also read: Anvitha, Tvesa exchange top spots on day two of Oxford event
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