Pedersen holds on to lead

Golf Women's Indian Open : Morgan cards one-under to remain close second

Rookie Emily Kristine Pedersen attracted spotlight for the second straight day as she consistently tamed the challenging greens of DLF Golf and Country Club to consolidate her top position in the Hero Women’s Indian Open on Saturday.

Pedersen persisted with her safe approach and continued to hold on to a one-stroke lead at the end of the second round. The 19-year-old from Denmark carded a one-over 73 for a two-round total of even par 143. Pedersen benefitted from her conservative approach, her round including just one birdie on the fourth against two dropped shots, one each on front and back nine. 

 “My play could have been better than yesterday’s opening round. The pins were tough but I kept to yesterday’s game plan. I missed five holes between three and five metres and hopefully my putter gets hot for the final round tomorrow,” said Pedesen, adding she was given valuable tips by her caddy Michael Curry.

Trailing by a stroke were Wales’ Becky Morgan who carded a one-under 71 for a two-round score of 144. Another Dane Malene Jorgensen was two strokes behind at third place with a level-par score in the second round and a total of 145 as players got a better hang of the Black Knight course and the conditions.     

“I played good and I’m very happy. Spoilt it with a double bogey on the 8th but made up by hitting the ball close. I have to improve on my iron shots to score well,” said Jorgensen who is also a noted painter.

With the cut being made at 12-over, four Indians qualified to the final round led by amateur Aditi Ashok (75, 73), who moved eight places for a tied 11th place after the second round. Vani Kapoor (79, 73), Saaniya Sharma (79,75) and veteran Smriti Mehra (77, 79) were the three Indian professionals to have made the cut.  

Cheyenne Woods too lived up to her hype with a fine three-under following a dismal five-over score of the opening round. “I was striking the ball better. I hit 17 greens today. You have to be precise in the course like these. I am definitely feeling better after a disappointing opening round,” she said.

She is tied fourth with Finea Blomqvist of Finland, Liz Young of England, Ursula Wikstrom of Finland and Thailand’s Nontaya Srisawang after a total of 146. Popular Indian Sharmila Nicollet and best Indian finisher of last year Vaishavi Sinha failed to make the cut.

Leading scores after 36 holes (Indians unless mentioned): 143: Emily Kristine Pedersen (Den, 70, 73), 144: Becky Morgan (Wal, 73, 71), 145: Marlene Jorgensen (Den, 73, 72), 146: Minea Blomqvist (Fin, 72, 74), Liz Young (Eng, 73, 73; Ursula Wikstrom (Fin, 73,73) Cheyenne Woods (Usa, 77, 69), Nontaya Srisawang (Tha, 73,73), 147:Giulia Sergas (Ita 71, 76),148: Sophia Popov (Ger, 72,76), Punpaka Phuntumabanrung (Tha, 78,70), Nanna Koerstz Madsen (Den, 73,75), Muangkhumsakul Kanphanitnan (Tha, 75,73).