Report। Sadiq Jalal
Liz Young of England celebrated a belated birthday by winning her second Ladies European Tour title as she took the US $ 400,000 Hero Women’s Indian Open by one stroke at the DLF Golf and Country Club on Sunday. Never having missed the cut in eight previous visits, Young extended that streak to nine as she shot 72 and totalled 2-under 286 to win by one shot over four others who tied for second.
Young amateur Mannat Brar (76-75-71-70) had the double honour of top amateur and was also the best-finishing Indian in tied 11th place on 4 over par 292, with professionals Pranavi Urs and Hitaashee Bakshi tied for 15th two strokes behind the teenager. They were 6-over 294.
Tvesa Malik was T26 on 9 over 297 while Ridhima Dilawari and Vani Kapoor shared 31st place on 10 over 298.
“The last two days were a mix for me,” Mannat said after her sound. “I wasn’t at my best with the irons, but my short game made up for it. Today and yesterday, though, I really started hitting my irons well and had a great feel for the greens. I could read the slopes and use them to my advantage, which helped me perform well over the four days.
“I’ve had a strong amateur career so far, being ranked as India’s top player for quite a while. I’ve represented India internationally, and this event was another highlight—I’m genuinely proud and grateful to be in this position.”
Winner Young’s delayed birthday will double, as her daughter’s birthday comes around in two weeks.
The 42-year-old from Southampton totalled 2 under par 286 to add her name to a list of British winners of the Hero Women’s Indian Open that includes England’s Dame Laura Davies (2010) and Becky Morgan (2018) of Wales who are also the two past champions older than the 2024 winner.
Young’s only other title on the Ladies European Tour came at the VP Bank Swiss Ladies Open after 13 winless years on the tour since turning professional in 2009. The Hero Women’s Indian Open was her 248th start on the LET. A third place at the Dutch Ladies Open in July was her previous best finish of the season.
