Saaniya grabs three-shot lead

Saaniya Sharma stayed on course for her second title of the season as she added a one-over 73 to grab a three-shot lead over second placed Smriti Mehra (71), after Round Two of the 13th leg of the Hero WPG Tour in Noida.

Saaniya won the 11th leg and is looking for another win that will push her up the Hero Order of Merit.

The 31-year-old Chandigarh golfer Saaniya has been in good form in the second half of the season with one win already in her bag. She had a 71 in the first round and with a second round 73, she is now at even par 144.

Smriti, searching for her first win this season, was at 147 with rounds of 76 and 71.

Neha Tripathi (73-77) was third, while Trisha Sunil (74-78) was tied fourth alongside Gaurika Bishnoi (72-80).

Saaniya once again played a steady round with three birdies, one on the front nine and two on the back nine. She had two bogeys and a double for her 73.

Smriti was the only one under par with four birdies against three bogeys and is looking good to challenge Saaniya for the title.

Mehar Atwal (78-76) and Afshan Fatima (75-79) shared the sixth place, while fancied Amandeep Drall (72-86) had a huge drop in the second round and was tied eighth along with Sonam Chugh.