Abu Dhabi: It was immediately after the Fatima Bint Mubarak Ladies Open in the capital last year that Aditi Ashok, the Indian teen golf sensation, went on to create history by becoming the first Indian to win a Ladies European Tour title by clinching the Hero Women’s Indian Open.

She has come to Abu Dhabi pretty much on the same tight schedule, straight after taking part in the Malaysia at the Sime Darby LPGA, where she finished tied 28th this time round.

“It is was nice experience but I didn’t play that well after making the cut last year. The first two days was good but final two days I did average and everyone else went ahead. However, I won the next week in India so obviously playing here had helped in some way,” said Aditi, adding that greens at the Saadiyat Beach Golf Club again look pretty good and she was pleased to see another good tournament coming in the Middle East.

Aditi’s liking for the region has lot to do with the success she enjoyed in this part of the world. Immediately after her triumph in India, she shot a final round of three-under 69 on a weather-hit last day to notch up her second successive victory on the LET at the inaugural Qatar Ladies Open.

This year, she has been on the LPGA tour and also taken some giant strides. The 19-year-old, playing her rookie season, bettered her previous best of tied 25th achieved at NW Arkansas Championships by registering her first top-10 place tied eighth at the Marathon Classic.

“The year has been good playing on the LPGA. There is a lot of travel because I live in India. I wish the season could have been better and I could have played in few more big events. Also played a little better in the Majors. I have done okay and hopefully it will help me play better in the season ahead,” said Aditi.

“Gamewise, I think I was ready to make the transition to LPGA. My status is better and I have a full card on LPGA. Playing there is one thing but winning tournaments is another. I still have to improve on playing to my strengths,” said Aditi, adding that she is very much amongst those golfers who set up targets at the beginning of the season.

“I do set goals for the season and this year it was to do well at LPGA. Getting full status was also a goal but I wanted to finish in the top 10. Maybe in the top 10 at Majors too but I couldn’t achieve that and had just one top 10. But with all the travel, I would say I did okay.”