Order of Merit – News Analysis India

Ridhima Tops WPGA Order of Merit Ahead of Noida Stage 6 Clash

News Analysis India — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

In a season of dominance, Ridhima Dilawari, Tvesa Malik, and Jasmin Sekhar spearhead the sixth stage of the WPGT 2026 at Noida’s Jaypee Greens Golf Course. Having swept four of the first five events, these stars enter with a Rs 17 lakh purse on the line and 53 players vying for glory. Ridhima’s lead in the Order of Merit, with Jasmin in hot pursuit, promises high stakes.

Recapping the season: Jasmin triumphed in leg one, Ridhima in two and four, and Tvesa broke her winless run in three with a playoff win over Anvita Narendran at Oxford Golf Resort. Sneha Singh, third in rankings, sits this one out, opening doors for others.

Challengers abound, from Amandeep Drall’s pedigree to rising names like Sanvi Somu and Vidhatri Urs. The amateur contingent of seven, led by Mahreen Bhatia—the 2025 finale champ here—adds unpredictability. Fresh faces like Guntas Kaur Sandhu and Seerat Kang could steal the show, echoing Lavanya Gupta’s fifth-leg upset.

Tvesa’s third-leg drama unfolded dramatically: Trailing by one, she leveled on four with a bogey against Anvita’s double, then pulled ahead as Anvita faltered on six and eight, despite a late birdie. This win, her first since September 2023, signals a comeback.

The WGAI’s roster now boasts 62 pros, swelled by 14 newcomers—10 via Jaypee qualifier, four from IGUA Ladies OOM and WAGR. This expansion highlights women’s golf’s boom in India, with Jaypee Greens as a pivotal battleground. Expect shifts in standings post this major field showdown.

Talwar’s Stellar 70 Seals PGTI 2026 Ahmedabad Title

News Analysis India — Sun, 15 Mar 2026 00:00:00 +0000

Saptak Talwar emerged as the champion of the DP World PGTI’s Indorama Ventures Open 2026, wrapping up the $300,000 tournament at Ahmedabad’s Kalhar Blues & Greens with a commanding two-under 70 in the final round. His four-round aggregate of 10-under 278 gave him a two-shot margin over the competition, marking his second pro win and a massive leap to No. 1 on the Order of Merit.

Starting the day tied for the lead, the 27-year-old Greater Noida resident earned $48,000, boosting his season haul to 46,00,200 rupees from his prior 44th ranking. Talwar’s round-by-round scores of 68-71-69-70 reflected steady dominance throughout the week.

Christoph Bleier of Austria rocketed up with a bogey-free three-under 69 to claim runner-up honors at eight-under 280. Veer Ahlawat and Kartik Singh delivered matching 70s for tied third at seven-under 281. Clement Sordet (France) ended fifth on six-under 282, and Dhruv Shyoran, yesterday’s co-leader, tied for sixth at five-under 283.

Mastering the par-5s, Talwar nailed greens in regulation and sank key two-putt birdies. Despite a ninth-hole bogey from a watery lie, his birdie on the 14th via a precise up-and-down kept challengers at bay. As competitors struggled, Talwar’s composure turned potential pressure into triumph.

This victory not only pads Talwar’s purse but elevates PGTI’s profile internationally. With emerging stars like Singh and solid performers like Ahlawat, India’s pro golf scene is thriving, promising more high-stakes drama ahead.