Diksha Dagar, Avani Prashanth Open with 69s at PIF Saudi Ladies International

Diksha Dagar and Avani Prashanth gave India a solid start at the PIF Saudi Ladies International, carding matching 3-under 69s in the opening round at Riyadh Golf Club.

The two Indians were tied 21st at the end of play, five shots behind Korea’s Hye-Jin Choi, who surged into the lead with an 8-under 64. Japan’s Chizzy Iwai was second on 7-under 65, with a few players still completing their rounds.

Diksha, the highest-ranked Indian on last season’s LET Order of Merit, signed for a bogey-free card with three birdies, continuing her steady form as the season-opening event gets underway. The two-time LET winner will be aiming to build early momentum after finishing third on the Order of Merit in 2023.

Avani produced another encouraging performance, mixing five birdies with two bogeys to stay in contention. Despite a late drop on the 18th, her 69 marked a confident start in a world-class field.

Among the other Indians, Aditi Ashok opened with a 1-under 71 to sit tied 70th, while Pranavi Urs carded a 1-over 73 and was placed tied 86th. Hitaashee Bakshi was level par with five holes still to play when the round was suspended.

Reigning LET Order of Merit champion Shannon Tan of Singapore began with a 1-under 71 to remain within touch of the leaders.

The US $5 million event, now in its seventh edition, features a 120-player field representing more than 30 nationalities and includes several leading stars from both the LET and LPGA Tour.

With two Indians inside the top-25 after round one, the opening day offered an encouraging start to India’s 2026 LET campaign.

Photo – LET