Mumbai, Feb 19 (IANS): Pallavi Jain was leading after the first round of the third leg of the Hero Women’s Professional Golf Tour at the Willingdon Sports Club here Wednesday.

She is one shot clear of Sharmila Nicollet, who finished the day in second position. Delhi golfer and winner of the first two legs, Vani Kapoor is tied third along with veteran golfer Smriti Mehra. The first day at the WSC saw some impressive performances as four golfers returned with under par scores, which was a rarity in the first two legs.

Pallavi started off with a bogey but steadied herself to card five birdies on the eighth, ninth, 12th, 15th and 17th holes to end round one with an impressive three under 62. She conceded just two bogeys on the first and the 16th holes. Sharmila was in her elements but mistakes at crucial moments cost her the top slot. She carded six birdies on the fourth, fifth, sixth, 10th, 11th and 17th holes, the highest by any player today but four bogeys on third, seventh, 13th and 15th holes was her undoing. She finished the day with a score of two under 63.

Vani continued her rich vein of form tand was ahead after the front nine. However, a double bogey on the 11th hole meant she couldn’t finish on top after the day’s play. She was the most consistent player in the field and her only blemish was the double bogey. She had three birdies on third, ninth and 17th holes and finished the day with a score of one under 64. Smriti Mehra carded five birdies and had four bogeys to finish tied third with Vani.

The Rs.5,00,000 event is the third in the series of 14 this year.