Kolkata, Feb 8 (IANS): Local golfers Nikhil Poddar and Ashish Chadha claimed the two National final spots available on the opening day of the 17th annual Mercedes Trophy at the Royal Golf Course here on Wednesday.
Nikhil Poddar category-A (0-17) and Ashish Chadha category-B (18-24) ended the day at net score of 72.2 and 73, respectively.
They will now be playing the National finals scheduled in Pune's Oxford Golf Resort from 15-17 March.
Among other golfers, Anuj Singh won the Ballantine's long drive challenge on the 15th hole with a mammoth drive of 253 yards.
Three winners from the National finals will progress to the Mercedes Trophy world finals in Germany in September to compete against winners from all over the world.