Neha Tripathi wins the BT Pro Am of Champions 2013 in a nail biter

Manesar, March 10, 2013: In a nail biting finish, India’s Neha Tripathi edged past Thailand’s Pennapa Pulsawath to win the 18^th edition of the  BT Pro Am of Champions 2013. With both the players tied after the second round at identical scores of 141, the match was decided by a playoff and Neha emerged victorious in the second playoff on the 18^th hole.

Overnight leaders Neha and Pennapa both played a steady round of par 72 to finish at 141. Neha carded birdies of the fourth, fifth, 12^th and 14^th and had bogeys on the second, sixth, 10^th and 11^th. Pennapa sank birdies on the first, seventh, ninth and 18^th and bogeys on fourth, sixth, 12^th and 16^th. Just like the first round both the players fought it out really hard and it was very closely contested final day at the 18^th edition of the BT Pro Am of champions. Neha was leading at the 17^th, however Pennapa carded a birdie on the 18^th to level the scores forcing a play off.

Veteran golfer Smriti Mehra made a remarkable comeback to finish third. She was brilliant throughout the day as she carded seven birdies on third, sixth, eighth, 12^th, 13^th, 14^th and 18^th holes. Her only bogey came early at the fourth and she didn’t look back from thereon to finish the second at a brilliant six under 66 and a total score of 142. She was placed tied eighth after the first round.

Thai golfer Tiranan Yoopan played a solid round of one under 71 to finish fourth with a total score of 143. Tang Ni Nhung of Vietnam finished fifth with a total score of 148.

India’s Rani Sonti finished tied seventh with Amolkan Phalajivin of Thailand and Hathaikarn Wongwaikijphaisal, also from Thailand, with identical score of 150. Vani Kapoor with total score of 151 finshed tied 10^thalong with Ainil Abu Bakar Johani of Malaysia.

Neha Tripathi – 141 (69, 72)

Pennapa Pulsawath – 141 (69, 72)

Smriti Mehara – 142 (76, 66)

Tiranan Yoopan – 143 (72, 71)

Tang Ni Nhung- 148 (75, 73)