Diksha Dagar stays in hunt
Indiaโs Diksha Dagar produced a strong and composed performance to stay in contention at the MCB Ladies Classic golf tournament in Mauritius, maintaining steady form across the first two rounds.
The two-time Ladies European Tour winner followed her opening round of 68 with a bogey-free 3-under 69, taking her to 7-under-par after two rounds. Her consistent display placed her tied for fourth, just two shots behind the joint leadersโDenmarkโs Smilla Tarning Soenderby, Germanyโs Celina Sattelkau, and South Africaโs Casandra Alexanderโwho were all at 9-under.
Of the four Indian golfers in the field, three made the cut. Alongside Dagar, Hitaashee Bakshi and Tvesa Malik advanced to the final round. Bakshi carded rounds of 71 and 69 to sit tied 19th, while Malik posted 70 and 71 to be placed tied 26th. However, Vani Kapoor missed the cut after rounds of 78 and 77.
ย
Also read: IPL โRevenge Weekโ set to thrill with rivalries, playoff stakes
Dagarโs recent performances suggest a return to form after a mixed run that included a tied-37th finish at the Womenโs South African Open and two missed cuts. Her second round featured birdies on the 6th, 10th, and 12th holes, reflecting improved control and precision.
Bakshi showed flashes of brilliance with five birdies, including a strong stretch of three consecutive gains early in her round, though bogeys on the 12th and 13th holes slightly set her back. Malik, competing through her Sunshine Ladies Tour membership, mixed three birdies with two bogeys in a steady outing.
ย
At the top, Soenderby surged early with a 6-under front nine before finishing with a 69. Sattelkau improved on her opening 68 with a 67, highlighted by five birdies, while Alexander also shot a 67 despite a double bogey, supported by seven birdies.
ย
The leaderboard remains tightly packed, with seven playersโincluding Dagarโwithin two shots of the lead at 7-under. A total of 75 players made the cut at +1, while 18 golfers are within four shots heading into the final round.ย With the contest finely balanced, the final day promises a tight battle in Mauritius as Dagar and others look to chase down the leaders and push for the title.
ย