Can Avani Prashanth Maintain Her Lead at Hulencourt?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Avani Prashanth leads the Hulencourt Women’s Open going into the final round.
- She scored 68 (-3) on a cooler day.
- Weather conditions played a significant role in gameplay.
- Other Indian players competing included Diksha Dagar and Tvesa Malik.
- Pressure and nerves are part of the game as she prepares for the final round.
Hulencourt (Belgium), Jun 14 (NationPress) India's Avani Prashanth is in the lead as she heads into the final round of the Hulencourt Women’s Open, following a steady performance with a score of 68 (-3) on a pivotal day in Belgium.
The LET rookie achieved four birdies during a cooler day, with her only mistake occurring on the 18th hole. With just 18 holes left, she enjoys a one-shot lead going into Sunday’s decisive round.
The other two Indian players who made the cut include Diksha Dagar (72-73-70) at 1-under and T-32, and Tvesa Malik (76-70-71) at 1-over and T-42. Other Indian competitors Vani Kapoor (76-73), Sneha Singh (74-75), Amandeep Drall (74-76), and Hitaashee Bakshi (79-74) did not advance past the cut.
Avani remarked, “The wind changed today, making the course feel entirely different,” adding, “I had to approach some areas more conservatively, which isn’t my preferred style. However, I remained patient throughout.”
The 18-year-old executed a remarkable birdie on the 14th hole, sinking a challenging putt from off the green.
“I miscalculated my distance slightly, but I’m pleased with the outcome. The cooler temperatures today made things a bit easier; yesterday’s heat was challenging for everyone. While I enjoyed the distance the ball traveled yesterday, I’m glad it wasn’t as hot today. I found it tough to concentrate yesterday, especially by the 8th and 9th holes, so I was thankful for the cooler conditions today.”
Looking ahead to Sunday, she stated: “Of course, there will be nerves, but I try to forget about them. I thrive under pressure and enjoy chasing, but thankfully that isn’t necessary now. I’ll give my best performance tomorrow and see what happens.”
France's Nastasia Nadaud and Wales' Darcey Harry are tied for second place, both with scores of nine-under-par.
Nadaud, who began the day four shots behind, significantly closed the gap with a strong third round, finishing just one stroke shy of the lead. “Today was excellent; I hit the ball well and created opportunities,” the 20-year-old said.
“The weather was much more pleasant today. After yesterday's heat, the rain felt refreshing,” she added, noting her experience competing under pressure after winning a playoff at the Aramco Team Series – London last year.
Germany's Helen Briem, the overnight leader, is currently in fourth place at eight-under-par after 54 holes. Briem recorded two bogeys but balanced them with two birdies, resulting in a solid par performance for the day.