Greater Noida, Sep 20 (IANS): Aiming to bag a third title of the season, Neha Tripathi will start as firm favourite in the 13th Leg of the Hero Womens Professional Golf Tour that begins at the Jaypee Greens here on Wednesday.

Kolkata's Neha has been a consistent performer in the current season with two victories to her credit alongwith three runner-up finishes.

She currently leads the Hero Order of Merit with total earnings of Rs 8,53,583 in 12 appearances.

Another strong contender for the title is Vani Kapoor. She hasn't been at her best in the last few events and will be keen to make amends. She is currently placed third in the Order of Merit with total earnings of Rs 7,43,350 in eight appearances with five victories.

However, Neha and Vani will have to ward off a strong challenge from the likes of Amandeep Drall and Gursimar Badwal. 

Panchkula's Amandeep is currently placed second in the Order of Merit with three wins and total earnings of INR 8,16,534 in nine appearances. She has been in good form throughout the season and is expected to give the others a run for their money. 

Kapurthala's Gursimar Badwal claimed her maiden professional title this season at Mumbai in Leg 5, and will be keen to add to her tally. She is currently placed fourth in the money list with total earnings of Rs 7,02,200.

Other players in the fray are Pune's Shweta Galande, Chandigarh's Saaniya Sharma, Delhi's Ankita Tiwana, and amateurs Anisha Padukone and Shreya Ghei.