Pornanong Phatlum claimed victory at the Hero Women’s Indian Open for the fourth time after carding a stellar score of 65 on the final day. The 36-year-old played a bogey-free round at the DLF Golf & Country Club to overtake local favorite Vani Kapoor and win by four shots on 11 under par.
Championship Journey and Final Round Battle
“I’m so happy right now,” said Phatlum, who previously lifted the trophy on the Arnold Palmer course in 2008, 2009, and 2012.
“I didn’t think I was going to win again, but I tried my best. This was a fantastic round for me. Every putt on the front nine dropped in the hole. Today feels incredible.”
“I wanted to come back and try my best here again because I have such good memories here – wonderful memories. This is my fourth win here, so it makes me very happy.”
Starting Sunday in the final group alongside Kapoor and defending champion Shannon Tan, Phatlum trailed the Indian player by a single stroke. A direct duel quickly developed as both competitors birdied the opening par-4 hole, with Kapoor chipping in from the back of the green. Kapoor extended her advantage to two shots with a birdie on the second hole before Phatlum answered with a birdie at the third. Further birdies at the fifth, eighth, and ninth holes brought the co-leaders level at the turn.
After the turn, Kapoor lost her lead for the first time during the round by dropping a shot on the 10th hole following an unlucky bounce off the tee. Although Kapoor recovered with a birdie on the 11th, she fell behind again by dropping shots on the 12th and 13th. Phatlum capitalized by sinking two impressive putts for birdies on the 15th and 16th holes. Two final pars secured a four-shot triumph and a historic fourth title, arriving 18 years after her initial victory at the event.
Runner-Up Finish for Vani Kapoor
Kapoor finished in second place at seven under par on her home course, marking her career-best finish on the Ladies European Tour (LET) after shooting a two-under-par round of 70 on Sunday.
“I gave it my best,” said Kapoor. “Everything went according to plan. I don’t think I could have done anything more. I made a lot of birdies, especially considering the amount of pressure there was.”
“I don’t think I would have made so many birdies in a single round before. I made a couple of mistakes too, but that’s part of the game. It’s better to accept it.”
