Vani Kapoor Claims Comfortable Win in Fifth Leg at Gurugram
Experienced golfer Vani Kapoor secured her second consecutive victory on the Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour (WPGT), winning the fifth leg at Gurugram's Classic Golf & Country Club on Friday. Kapoor played an impressive back nine, registering one birdie and eight pars, carding a final-round 1-under 71. This performance enabled her to comfortably finish three shots clear of rivals Ridhima Dilawari and Rhea Jha.
Dominant Performance Throughout the Tournament
Kapoor, representing the DLF Golf Club, showed remarkable consistency, leading or sharing the lead from the start. After holding the sole lead following round one, she shared the top position after the second round alongside Amandeep Drall. Kapoor maintained her composure and ultimately cruised to victory, finishing with rounds of 70, 75, and 71 for an even-par total of 216 across the 54-hole event.
Final Round Challenges and Recoveries
Despite an early setback with a bogey on the first hole of her final round, Kapoor swiftly regained control with birdies on holes three and six. She experienced another bogey on the ninth but showcased her skill and experience with a flawless performance on the back nine.
Ridhima Dilawari briefly challenged Kapoor, producing two birdies on the eighth and ninth holes, followed by one birdie and one bogey on the back nine. However, her final round of 70 was not enough to overtake Kapoor. Meanwhile, Rhea Jha’s title hopes faded due to three early bogeys in her first 11 holes, though she partially recovered with birdies on the 15th and 17th holes, finishing with a round of 73.
Struggles for Amandeep Drall
Amandeep Drall, who began the final round tied for the lead with Kapoor, struggled to maintain momentum. She ended with a final-round 75, comprising three bogeys and no birdies, placing her tied for fourth at 4-over 220 alongside Neha Tripathi, who recorded a final round of even-par 72.
Strong Finish by Kriti Chowhan; Sneha Singh Retains Merit Lead
Kriti Chowhan recorded the lowest round of the tournament with a superb 3-under 69 on the final day, finishing tied for sixth at 6-over 222. Sneha Singh, winner of the second and third legs, also finished tied-sixth with a final-round 70, enough to keep her atop the Hero Order of Merit standings.
Singh currently leads with total earnings of Rs. 6,65,567, closely followed by Kapoor, whose latest win brings her earnings to Rs. 6,54,000. Amandeep Drall (Rs. 3,95,300) and Kriti Chowhan (Rs. 3,92,934) remain in a tight competition for third place.
Final Leaderboard Highlights
- Winner: Vani Kapoor (70-75-71, Total: 216)
- Runner-up: Ridhima Dilawari (76-73-70, Total: 219), Rhea Jha (74-72-73, Total: 219)
- Tied Fourth: Amandeep Drall (71-74-75, Total: 220), Neha Tripathi (72, Total: 220)
- Tied Sixth: Sneha Singh (77-75-70), Kriti Chowhan (78-75-69), Yaalisai Verma (77-72-73), amateur Ceerat Kang (76-72-74) – Total: 222
The Hero Women's Pro Golf Tour continues to showcase high levels of competition as Kapoor strengthens her position among the tour's elite golfers.