Diksha falls short in playoff in Morocco

Diksha Dagar, a 24-year-old two-time Olympian and two-time Ladies European Tour (LET) winner, came agonizingly close to securing her third title but fell short in a playoff against Cara Gainer of the England at the Lalla Meryem Cup, the LET season opener.

Diksha posted rounds of 70-73-67, finishing at 9-under par after 54 holes, tying with England’s Cara Gainer, who shot 71-70-69 to force a playoff at the Royal Golf Dar Es Salam. In the sudden-death decider, played on the par-4 18th hole, Gainer clinched victory with a birdie, while Diksha could only manage a bogey.

Despite the heartbreak, the Indian star gained 320 points for her runner-up finish, propelling her to second place in the 2025 LET rankings. Last season, she competed in 29 events, with a T-3 finish at the Joburg Ladies Open marking her best result, ultimately placing 29th on the season-long rankings to retain her full playing rights for 2025.

Joining Diksha in Morocco were fellow Indian golfers Aditi Ashok, Pranavi Urs, Tvesa Malik, and Avani Prashanth. Making her LET debut, 18-year-old Avani Prashanth—who earned her card through Qualifying School in December—impressed with a T-16 finish, carding 71-74-70 (-4). Meanwhile, Tvesa Malik struggled, missing the cut with rounds of 79-76 (+5).

All eyes now turn to Saudi Arabia, where Diksha, Aditi, Pranavi, and Tvesa will tee it up at the US$5 million PIF Saudi Ladies International from February 15-18.

Photo – LET