Rookie professional Anvvi Dahiya produced a stunning 11-shot turnaround to take the lead after the second round of the 13th leg of the Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour at the DLF Golf and Country Club in Gurugram.
The 18-year-old bounced back from an opening 78 with a five-under 67, the only sub-par round of the day. Her six birdies and an eagle lifted her to one-over 145, one shot clear of the experienced Vani Kapoor (73-73).
Hero Order of Merit leader Ridhima Dilawari (75-72) was third at three-over 147. She and Anvvi were the only players to shoot par or better in the second round.
Playing at her home course, Anvvi began her charge with birdies on the third, fourth and sixth. A double bogey on the seventh briefly halted her momentum, but she responded immediately with an eagle on the eighth to turn in three-under.
She added three more birdies against one bogey on the back nine to complete a superb 67.
A product of the DLF Golf Academy, Anvvi turned professional earlier this year following a successful junior and amateur career. She won the DGC Ladies Open Amateur Golf Championship in 2022 at the age of 14.
Anvvi has already finished runner-up on the Hero WPGT this season, sharing second place with Amandeep Drall behind Vani at the ninth leg at Clover Greens in Hosur. She will now look to secure her maiden professional title.
Tvesa Malik (74-74) and Nayanika Sanga (74-74) shared fourth place at four-over 148, while Lavanya Jadon (74-76) was sixth at six-over 150.
Overnight leader Vidhatri Urs slipped to seventh after following her opening 69 with an 82. Jasmine Shekar also lost ground with an 81 and was tied eighth with Kashika Misra (77-75).
Diksha Dagar (72-81) shared 10th place with amateurs Yogya Bhalla (77-76) and Anuradha Chaudhuri (78-75).
The cut fell at 20-over 164, with 41 players advancing to the final round.
Anvvi will play alongside Vani and Ridhima in the final group as the trio chase the title in the last domestic event before next month’s Hero Women’s Indian Open at the same venue.
Photo – WGAI
