Aditi, Diksha card 71 each in opening round at unique Saudi event

KAEC (Saudi Arabia), November 18

Aditi Ashok and Diksha Dagar began with a round of 1-under 71 each as the Saudi Ladies Team International got underway at the Royal Greens Golf and Country Club here on Wednesday.

The duo was tied-14th as Finnish golfer Sanna Nuuttinen shot a 66 to take the lead after the first round.

The other two Indians in the field Tvesa Malik (74) and Astha Madan (80) were further down at tied 41 and tied 103 respectively.

The tournament has a very innovative team format, though the individual pros will also be vying for substantial purse.

It is being played over 54-holes with USD 500,000 up for grabs – USD 300,000 for the team and USD 200,000 for the individual. The players and amateurs make up 37 teams.

The teams were selected in an ‘NFL-style draft system' and they compete in a team of four pro-am format with the ‘best two scores to count'.

The Team (Annabel) Dimmock took the early lead.

As the blustery conditions that made it difficult for the afternoon starters, Team Dimmock shone in the Saudi morning sun to take the early initiative in the team competition at 17-under-par after a birdie bonanza. PTI