Diksha Dagar lit up the opening day of the inaugural MCB Ladies Classic Mauritius with a stunning hole-in-one, setting the tone for a strong start at Constance Belle Mare Plage.

The Indian left-hander carded a 4-under 68 to sit tied fourth after round one, firmly placing herself among the early contenders.

Starting on the back nine, Diksha made an immediate impact with an ace on the par-3 11th. She built on that momentum with birdies on the 15th and 18th to turn at four-under. A bogey on the fifth briefly slowed her progress, but she bounced back with a closing birdie on the ninth to sign off in style.

Tvesa Malik also made a positive start, posting a 2-under 70 to be tied 20th. Her round featured three front-nine birdies before a double bogey on the ninth halted her momentum. She recovered well with birdies on the 15th and 17th.

Hitaashee Bakshi carded a 1-under 71 to sit tied 30th, while Vani Kapoor struggled to a 6-over 78 and will need a low round to make the cut.

At the top, France’s Agathe Laisné set the pace with a superb 8-under 64, highlighted by a flurry of birdies. “I gave myself a lot of chances and took advantage,” she said.

South Africa’s Cara Gorlei is one shot back at 7-under 65, featuring two eagles, while Denmark’s Smilla Tarning Soenderby sits third at 6-under 66.

What it means: Diksha’s early momentum, powered by a standout moment, puts her in prime position to contend.

What’s next: With a tight leaderboard and the cut looming, consistency over the next round will be crucial for the Indian contingent.

Photo – LET