Hitaashee, who has won twice this season, had six birdies against one bogey and opened a three-shot lead over Vidhatri Urs and Sneha Singh, who shot 2-under 70 each
Hitaashee, who has won twice this season, will face a strong challenge from Sneha Singh, who has also won twice and Vidhatri Urs, who in seven starts has won three times
Young amateur Mannat Brar (76-75-71-70) had the double honour of top amateur and was also the best-finishing Indian in tied 11th place on 4 over par 292, with professionals Pranavi Urs and Hitaashee Bakshi tied for 15th two strokes behind the teenager. They were 6-over 294.
The stage is all set for the latest edition of the Women's Indian Open, which gets underway on October 24 at the DLF Golf and Country Club. With 114 players from 31 nations, many of whom have been recent winners of the Ladies European Tour, the tournament is set for a battle royale.
Vani started the final day three shots behind the overnight leaders, Hitaashee Bakshi and Vidhatri Urs. Playing one group ahead of the leaders, Vani was one-under for the front nine, but still trailed Hitaashee who was 2-over for the front nine and Vidhatri, who was even par
Vidhatri, who trailed Hitaashee by one shot after the first round, carded 2-over 74 to Hitaashee's 75 to be tied for the top spot at 1-over 145 after 36 holes
Vidhatri, who won the ninth and 10th legs of the Tour, added a third title as she scored 1-under 35 on yet another day hit by inclement weather when the final round was reduced to nine holes. The second round had also been reduced to nine holes because of weather
With a field of 46, the strength of women's golf was in full play at the WPGT Leg-11 as four players shot par or better and another three were one-over at the challenging course. It all augurs well for the Indians, who will hope to make a big move at next month's flagship event, the Women's