Vani keen not to let tendinitis spoil week
GURGAON: A professional for six years now, Vani Kapoor has acquired enough experience to know the only way to overcome poor form is quality practice. While it helps that this week’s Hero Women’s Indian Open is happening at her home course, DLF Golf and Country Club, a modest season on the Ladies European Tour (LET) has given the 24-year-old clarity on the way forward.
The highest-ranked Indian at the last edition at tied 6th, Vani arrived here a month back to put in the hard strides and tees off on Thursday with the strategy to combine familiarity with enough practice. “Learning never stops as every shot is a new shot. The season hasn’t been great (34th at the South African Women’s Open was her best result) but was big on the learning curve and I hope to end it on a better note,” said Vani.
The month-long practice may have gone to plan, but being hit by tendinitis (elbow) a few days ago hasn’t helped. She is hopeful of getting better before Thursday, but even if that doesn’t happen, Vani is not willing to let the discomfort hold her back. “I’m not thinking about it (the pain) much,” she said.
Apart from furthering her chances, Vani will also be a role model for rookie Tvesa Malik. The 22-year-old leads the domestic pro tour’s order of merit with three wins and is looking forward to her national Open.
“It has been a great season and I have improved a lot. Since I play here often, I know the course well,” said Tvesa.
Encouraged by the success at home, Tvesa will compete in the LET’s qualifying school later this year in a bid to get playing rights for 2019. This is where Vani’s experience will come handy as Tvesa has sought her advice.