TOKYO: A last-round bogey cost Aditi Ashok a share of the lead following a round of four-under 67 on the first day of the Olympic Games golf competition in Tokyo on Wednesday.
Making a second successive Olympic appearance, Aditi ended the day in the tied-second spot with American Nelly Korda. Sweden's Madelene Sagstrom led the field with a 66.
Diksha Dagar, a late Indian entry in the 60-player field, was tied 56th after a 76.
In Rio, Aditi had two good rounds and was among the top-10 before fading away to the tied 41st place.
"Last time I think it was more just enjoying the experience and staying at the (Olympic) Village, seeing all the other athletes, but this time I think definitely here to have a good finish, hopefully give my best, try and win a medal," said Aditi, who shot two birdies on the front nine and another three after the turn.
"I think having played the Olympics once definitely gets you more prepared, you're not as overawed by it. I mean it's still the Olympics, it's still really exciting, but, yeah, definitely more prepared for this one.
"My mom is caddying for me. Last time, I had my dad 'on the bag', so the experience was just so incredible. I was like I want to have my mom next time and I made good on that promise," she said.
"This time, I think I have a lot more experience. Just playing on the LPGA Tour the last five years, kind of, has made me way better as a player than I was at Rio. And I think the Olympic experience was... I didn't finish as well as I wanted to, but just seeing the effect that it had on golf in India was inspiring and that's kind of what motivated me for this one as well," said Aditi. Agencies
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