Hitaashee Bakshi takes commanding lead at Hero Women’s Indian Open

India’s Hitaashee Bakshi stormed into the lead with a flawless five-under 67, reaching seven-under overall at the halfway stage of the US$500,000 Hero Women’s Indian Open at DLF Golf & Country Club. It marked the first time the 20-year-old has topped the leaderboard in a Ladies European Tour (LET) event.

Behind her, 17-year-old Zara Anand and Germany’s Verena Gimmy shared second at six-under, while Pranavi Urs (72-67) and Chiara Tamburlini (71-68) followed a stroke behind. Vani Kapoor (67-74), the first-round leader, slipped to tied seventh at three-under, alongside Shannon Tan and Alice Hewson.

With four Indians inside the top 10, local fans have reason to dream of a home victory — the first since Aditi Ashok’s win in 2016.

Hitaashee, who has grown up playing on this course, said, “It’s my home turf — I know every bounce here. I just trusted my lines and stayed patient.”

Zara, recovering from a double bogey on the 17th, birdied the last to stay in contention. “I’m enjoying every moment,” she said. “This course teaches you patience.”

Pranavi, returning from injury, carded one of the day’s best rounds and credited improved putting: “I finally saw putts drop today — that’s been the difference.”

Twelve Indians made the cut, including Avani Prashanth, Amandeep Drall, Durga Nittur, and Diksha Dagar, who recovered with a 72. The cut fell at eight-over.

As the weekend approaches, the leaderboard — and the crowd — reflects a sense of national anticipation. With India’s young stars leading the charge, the Hero Women’s Indian Open could see history written on home soil.
Photo – HWIO