Smriti Mehra pips Sharmila Nicollet

Gurgaon: Veteran Smriti Mehra staved off Sharmila Nicollet`s spirited challenge with a final hole birdie to win the first leg of the Women`s Professional Golf Tour at the par-72 Classic Golf Resort here today. In the end, Mehra tallied two-under 214 for the event to pocket the winner`s cheque of Rs 50,468. Nicollet finished with an aggregate of 215 to take home Rs 30,468, while Nalini Singh Siwach, who finished third at 221, earned Rs 20,470 for her effort. Saaniya Sharma finished fourth at 227 while Vandana Agarwal finished fifth at 240. "I am impressed with the way Sharmila played. It was great winning though," a relieved Mehra later said. Sharmila was disappointed after coming so near of upstaging her illustrious opponent and said, "I am delighted with the way I played but disappointed at mission out by such a small margin. It was great competing against a legend like Simi (Smriti) Mehra though," Sharmila said. Bureau Report