Avani Prashanth missed the cut at the Buccellati Ladies Italian Open after rounds of 76 and 74 at Golf Club Milano.

With Diksha Dagar and Pranavi Urs not competing this week, Avani carried the Indian challenge but finished six-over 150 to bow out at the halfway stage.

The youngster, who will have the Hero Women’s Indian Open firmly in her sights next month, mixed three birdies with five bogeys and a double bogey in her opening round. She improved by two shots on Friday but again recorded three birdies and five bogeys in a two-over 74.

At the top of the leaderboard, Sweden’s Moa Folke, Germany’s Alexandra Försterling and South Africa’s Casandra Alexander moved into a three-way tie at nine-under.

The leading trio hold a three-shot advantage over Anna Morgan, Cara Gainer, Alice Hewson, Dorothea Forbrigd and Pia Babnik, who share fourth place at six-under. Lois Lau is another stroke back in ninth.

Folke produced the round of the day, firing a bogey-free seven-under 65. After collecting four birdies on the front nine, she closed with three successive gains from the 16th to join the lead as she continued her pursuit of a maiden Ladies European Tour title.

Försterling recorded five birdies and one bogey in a 68, while overnight co-leader Alexander reached 11-under following an eagle at the par-five 14th and a birdie at the next. However, consecutive bogeys on the 16th and 17th brought her back into a share of the lead.

Home favourites Anna Zanusso and Alessandra Fanali are among six players tied for 10th at four-under.

Photo – LET