Tamburlini Takes Day One Honours at Hero Women's Indian Open as Home Stars Chase

Chiara Tamburlini made a flying start at the Hero Women's Indian Open, carding a five-under-par 67 to take the day-one lead in the $500,000 Ladies European Tour event on Thursday. The Swiss star, who topped the LET Order of Merit in 2024, credited simple golf and a hot putter for the round. "I hit quite a few fairways and felt quite comfortable with my irons as well," Tamburlini said. "I converted a lot of putts, and the putter was definitely what made it possible to go low." Singapore's Shannon Tan and Argentina's Magdalena Simmermacher sit one shot back after matching 68s, while Czech golfer Sara Kouskova is alone in fourth at three under. The home challenge is led by Pranavi Urs and Avani Prashanth, who both opened with two-under 70s to share fifth as the best-placed Indians. Avani, chasing her maiden LET title after a difficult injury-hit season, was delighted with her ball-striking. "My approach game was the best it has ever been," she said. Round two begins Friday at 6:40 a.m. local time, with Tamburlini protecting her slim advantage and a strong home contingent hunting her down.