Golfer Vani eager to continue winning streak

Srinagar, June 23 (IANS) With four victories and two runners-up finishes, Delhi's Vani Kapoor has emerged the player to beat this season as she heads into the seventh leg of the Hero Women's Professional Golf Tour to be played at the stunning Royal Springs Golf Course here June 24-26.

Vani leads the Order of Merit with total earnings of Rs.6.49 lakh and will again be vying for the top prize in the Rs.7 lakh event.

The Delhi golfer, who edged past Smriti Mehra in Leg 6, will face tough competition from the veteran. Smriti is second in the Merit list with earnings of Rs.3.75 lakh from five appearances. She has had only one win and one runner-up this season but would be keen to defend the title she won here last year.

Saaniya Sharma and amateur Tavleen Batra from Chandigarh would look to capitalise on their impressive performances in Leg 6. Bangalore's Sharmila Nicolett will miss the event as she is participating at the Ladies Italian Open in Perugia (June 27-29) on the Ladies European Tour.

The leg will have 14 golfers -- 12 professionals and two amateurs -- to compete at the par 72 course.

The tour comprises 15 legs played across India.