Bangalore: India's Sharmila Nicollet combined effectively with England's Laura Davies on Monday to win the EMAAR-MGF Challenge match which formally teed off the EMAAR-MGF Ladies Masters week at the Eagleton Resort here.
The duo lit up the grey skies with an inspired performance, carding a sizzling four under par 32 to beat their nearest rivals by a good three shots in this "warm-up" competition played on the back nine of the course, measuring 3,293 from championship tees.
Shalini Malik of India and England's Trish Johnson finished second on one under 35 while the team of Gwladys Nocera (France) and Becky Brewerton (Wales) took the third place on a two over par 38 in this fun-filled match which followed the greensomes format.
Great fun
Followed by an appreciative crowd, the match, featuring six players, also provided the very first opportunity to local fans to witness some of the world's top guns in action ahead of the Ladies European Tour event in India which gets under way tomorrow.
"It was great fun playing the challenge match," enthused Davies, who had the crowd on their toes when she drove to the green on the par-4, 345-yard, 17th hole.
"I am really amazed with the progress of women's golf in India. I played with this 16-year-old girl (Sharmila) and I can say from my experience she has the potential to become a good player.
"It feels good to be playing in India for the first time in my 22 years of professional career.
"From here, I will be going to Dubai, also for the first time, and really looking forward to the two weeks ahead.
"The course is in great shape, though the greens are on the slower side a bit. But if you can keep the ball in play, salving a par won't be a big problem," she added.
Sharmila felt 'on top of the world' playing with Davies.
"She has an inspiring presence on the course. I am really impressed by her driving.
"Above all, she is a great human being and made me feel comfortable on the course."
Star value
About her one expectations from the tournament, Shamila was pretty frank in admitting that if she can make the cut, it would constitute a big achievement.
"It's going to be tough, but I have faith in my ability," said Sharmila.
Mohammad Juma Bu Amaim, vice-chairman and CEO of golf in DUBAI, the promoters and organisers of the event, congratulated the players during the presentation ceremony.
"The six players were selected for the challenge match on the basis of their recent performances and, of course, for their star value on the tour," he said.
The match provided the very first opportunity to local fans to witness some of the world's top guns in action...
