Zara Anand

Amateur Zara Anand and professional Lavanya Jadon turned the opening round of Leg 8 of the Hero Women’s Pro Golf Tour into an absolute masterclass on Wednesday, both firing sensational 4-under par 64s to share a one-stroke lead at the Bangalore Golf Club. On a tight, technical par-68 layout measuring 5,406 yards, where precision is important. Zara Anand and Lavanya Jadon found the perfect formula to distance themselves from a highly competitive field that saw 15 players finish within five shots of the lead.

Lavanya Jadon

Just one stroke back of the co-leaders sits the duo of Durga Nittur and Smriti Bhargav, both carding for brilliant 3-under par 65s to sit tied for 3rd. Right behind them, tied for 5th, are Anvvi Dahhiya and amateur Mahreen Bhatia, who both carded excellent 2-under par 66s to stay right in the thick of the title hunt.

The depth of the field was on full display as a trio of players, amateur Ananyaa Sood, Karishma Govind, and Mannat Brar, all carded matching 1-under par 67s to share 7th place. Meanwhile, the even-par 68 mark features a four-way lockout for 10th place, consisting of Ayushi Dutta, Nayanika Sanga, Kashika Misra, and Jasmine Shekar. Rounding out the top positions covered in the opening day’s action are Vidhatri Urs and Ridhima Dilawari, who both signed for steady 1-over par 69s to sit tied for 14th.

With Bangalore Golf Club giving up low numbers to aggressive play, tomorrow’s Round 2 promises high-octane drama. All eyes will be on whether the leading amateur contingent can hold off an experienced field of seasoned professionals moving into the crucial stages of the tournament.