Aditi Ashok dominates Asian Games golf, poised for gold medal

Indian golfer Aditi Ashok displayed extraordinary prowess at the 19th Asian Games, creating a seven-shot lead and edging closer to securing a historic gold medal. Aditi’s remarkable performance has not only solidified her individual lead but also propelled the Indian women’s team to the top spot in the competition.

In a stunning third round, Aditi Ashok delivered a flawless 11-under 61, further enhancing her status as a frontrunner for the coveted gold. With this exceptional performance, Aditi’s total score stands at 22-under after 54 holes, a remarkable seven strokes ahead of her closest competitor, Arpichaya Yubol from Thailand, who sits at 15-under (67-65-69).

Notably, Indian women have never clinched a medal in golf at the Asian Games. The only Indian men to achieve individual gold in golf at the Asian Games were Lakshman Singh (1982) and Shiv Kapur (2002). India has also secured medals in men’s team events. The last time India won a golf medal at the Asian Games was in 2010, coincidentally in China, at the Guangzhou Asian Games.

Aditi Ashok had previously participated in the 2014 Asian Games in Incheon, Korea, as an amateur, finishing in 21st place.

Aditi’s extraordinary scorecard of 11-under was unmatched, surpassing the next best round of the day by five strokes. With rounds of 67-66-61, she has established herself as a dominant force in the competition. Her closest rival, Arpichaya Yubol (67-65-69), trails behind at 15-under, while China’s Lin Xiyu (67-67-68) holds third place at 14-under.

Aditi Ashok’s stellar round also propelled India to a one-shot lead in the team competition. Paired with Pranavi Urs, whose score of 2-under 70 complemented Aditi’s performance, the Indian women’s team made a remarkable leap forward, narrowing the gap by five shots on the third day.

In the team standings, India now stands at 29-under, holding a slender one-shot advantage over strong contenders such as Thailand (28-under), China (26-under), Korea (20-under), and Japan (20-under).

In the men’s section, Anirban Lahiri, who had battled extreme heat in the previous round, recorded a 2-over 74. Lahiri, positioned at 10-under, is currently tied for 17th place. Meanwhile, SSP Chawrasia carded a 68 in the third round, placing him tied for 20th, and Khalin Joshi posted a 69, securing a tied 24th position. Shubhankar Sharma, with a score of 76, slipped to tied 34th place at 3-under.

In the men’s individual category, Hong Kong’s Taichi Kho (70) leads the standings at 24-under, followed by Taipei’s Chien-Yao Hung (67) at 21-under, and Korea’s Jang Yubin (68) at 20-under in third place.

Regrettably, the Indian men’s team is no longer in contention for a medal, as they currently hold the eighth position at a total of 32-under, trailing Korea by a substantial 26 strokes. Thailand and Hong Kong share the second-place position.

Aditi Ashok’s exceptional performance in the tournament has showcased her remarkable skills and determination. She has dropped just one shot in 54 holes, a feat achieved in the second round. Her stellar display has ignited hope and excitement among fans, as she inches closer to potentially securing India’s first-ever gold medal in women’s golf at the Asian Games.

-IANS