Meghna Bal races ahead

New Delhi, Nov 22 (UNI) Meghna Bal raced ahead of her rivals, taking a five-stroke lead at the halfway mark of the 39th Ladies Northern India Golf Championship here today.

Playing immaculate golf on the front nine on a perfect, practically windless day, -3 handicapper Meghna birdied the par-four third hole and the par-three seventh to be one under going out.

A hattrick of bogies on the first three holes of the back nine, however, were only partially compensated by birdies at the 13th and 18th holes to give her a final score of par 72, just two over par for the tournament, a total of 146.

Five strokes behind, on 151 Vaishavi Sinha, handicap -1, was disappointed in her round of 75. Two double bogies -- on the ninth and 16th holes -- cancelled out her otherwise consistent golf. The fighter that she is she will be determined to make a strong bid for the title on the final two days.

Laverry Kumar, handicap -4, also carded 75 to climb up to third spot, on 156, but 10 strokes off the lead. Starting with a bang Laverry was out in par for the front nine, but three-over coming home, still finishing one under her handicap.

The Championship is thus totally dominated by junior golfers 18 and under. The tournament is still missing the participation of Sharmila Nicollet Indian number one women golfer who unfortunately fell ill just before the tournament.

Submission of wrong score cards resulted in three disqualifications today, among them junior golfer Mehar Atwal taking her out of contention. In the Siel Junior Girls Trophy Meghna leads by five strokes from Nalini Singh with Laverry two strokes behind.

Vaishavi trails by one stroke for the forth spot.

UNI HSB AY KN1948