Mannat Brar Posts Outstanding 67, Ranks in Top-10 at Women's Asia-Pacific Golf Championship
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Synopsis
Mannat Brar delivered an impressive performance at the Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific Golf Championships in Da Nang, Vietnam, shooting a remarkable four-under 67. This score ties her for the best round by an Indian in the tournament's history, placing her among the top competitors on the first day.
Key Takeaways
- Mannat Brar shot a four-under 67 at the WAAP Championships.
- She is currently tied-ninth among the competitors.
- Her score is the best by an Indian in WAAP history.
- Mannat had five birdies and one bogey during her round.
- She aims to enjoy the game and not focus solely on results.
Da Nang (Vietnam), March 6 (NationPress) Mannat Brar, participating in her fourth Women's Amateur Asia-Pacific Golf (WAAP) Championships, matched the best round by any Indian with an impressive four-under 67 on Thursday. She emerged as the top performer among the six Indian competitors, currently sitting in a tied-ninth position after the opening day at the stunning Par-71 Hoiana Shores course, which is hosting its first major event.
Mannat trails Seo-Jin Park by four strokes (64) and is among four players at 6-under 65. She is tied for ninth along with An Le Chuc of Vietnam, Eunseo Choi of New Zealand, and Jie-En Lin of Chinese Taipei. Saanvi Somu is the second-best Indian at 1-over 72, placed T-42, while debutant Guntas Kaur Sandhu at 2-over is T-48. Heena Kang and newcomer Zara Anand, both recorded 76, placing them at T-76, while another debutant, Kashika Misra, with 78, is T-83rd.
The cut will be made after the second round for the top 50 and ties. Notably, favorite and World No. 4 Rianne Malixi withdrew after just five holes due to a back injury.
Mannat's four-under 67 stands as the best score by an Indian in any WAAP event, and in relation to par, it equals Anika Varma's 68 (-4) in Round 2 at Abu Dhabi Golf Club, UAE, in 2021. Anika finished T-9, marking the best result for an Indian. In 2024, Avani Prashanth also recorded a 68 (-4) in the opening round at Siam Country Club, finishing T-10, the second Top-10 finish by an Indian.
The 18-year-old reigning All-India Amateur champion, eager to overcome previous missed cuts, began on the tenth hole and excelled on the back nine, which provided ample birdie opportunities. She secured five birdies against one bogey for a 4-under score.
On her second nine, the front side of the course, Mannat encountered trouble on the challenging Par-5 third hole, where she struggled in a ravine, costing her a shot. However, she reclaimed that shot on the Par-4 sixth hole and finished strong with three birdies to achieve a four-under 67.
Mannat expressed, “It was fantastic. The first half felt great; it was cool and not as breezy as I anticipated. The atmosphere was positive, and the presence of fans uplifted the mood. Overall, it was a wonderful day, although I did have a couple of near misses.”
Reflecting on her round, she noted, “I started well with a steady opening hole, followed by 11, 12, 13, and 14; some shorter holes where I found good wedges. Coming into 15 and 16, I had a solid strategy, and my wedges performed well, putting me close to the hole for several putts.”
She added, “Yes, certainly. The back nine is shorter, allowing for more birdies. The calm conditions during the first half were ideal for playing the back nine.”
Mannat continued, “Confidence-wise, I feel better. I played extensively last year, including in Europe, which prepared me for the windy conditions. This was quite mild for me, and seeing elite players was enlightening and beneficial.”
“I’m not overly focused on advancing to the weekend. I plan to show up tomorrow, play my own game, enjoy the beautiful golf course, and embrace whatever outcome comes my way.”
Trailing behind leader Seo-Jin, four other competitors are tied in second: Lau Ariana from Hong Kong, Lion Higo of Australia, Hong Sumin of Korea, and Anna Iwanaga from Japan, all with scores of 6-under 65.
