Lucknow, Nov 21 (IANS): Promising golfer Tvesa Malik got off to a fine start with an even par 70 in the first round of the Hero Womens Pro Tour here on Wednesday.

Playing at the Palms Golf Club and Resort here, Tvesa, who has emerged as a fine talent this season, shot two birdies against two bogeys.

She is now one shot ahead of second placed Smriti Mehra, who had a fine front nine with one-under 33. However, in the back nine she gave away three bogeys against just one birdie on 17th for a total of one-over 71.

Tvesa, leader on the order of merit, has already won three titles this season, while veteran Smriti is looking for her first title.

Third-placed Gursimar Badwal shot 74 but did not find her first birdie till the 16th. She birdied 17th too, but had a total of six bogeys, with 3 in each half, including one on 18th.

Amandeep Drall, Ridhima Dilawari and Neha Tripathi were all tied fourth with 75 each, while Millie Saroha was the sole seventh at 76.

Afshan Fatima, Khushi Khanijau and Siddhi Kapoor were tied eighth with cards of 78 each.

In the second round, Komal Chaudhary, Saaniya Sharma and Siddhi will tee off first, followed by Khushi, Afshan and Millie.

Ridhima, Neha and Amandeep will go out in the third group, while Gursimar, Smriti and leader Tvesa will tee off last in the leader group.

This is the 16th leg, with two more to follow in the current season.