Innocent Ndawula
2 June 2011
Although Uganda Professional Golfers Association (UPGA) captain Deo Akope finished Day One of the Burundi Open joint third with the Kenyan pair of John Kagiri and leftie Richard Ainley, he reckons the tournament is still very open and no one can claim to be the favourite.
Akope struck level-par 71 on the challenging nine-hole Bujumbura Golf Club course yesterday, four shots more than pace setter James Ngigi (67) and two more than second-placed Dismas Indiza (69) but maintains there is still a lot of golf to be played in the $10,000 (aboutShs23.5m) professionals category.
“The course is not very hard to play on as earlier perceived. I just have to work on my short game and all will be good,” Akope told Daily Monitor after his round.
“It is still open and we all still have a chance to win,” added Akope while referring to the three other Ugandan professionals in the fray. Herman Mutaawe finished joint ninth with Kenyan David Odhiambo whereas the pair of rookies Brian Mwesigwa (75) and Vincent ‘Araali’ Byamukama were out of the top 10 and will need to work harder today.
Professionals – Day One
J. Ngigi (KEN) 67
D. Indiza (KEN) 69
D. Akope (UGA) 71
J. Kagiri (KEN) 71
R. Ainley (KEN) 71
F. Chitengwa (TAN) 72
E. Ruterana (RWA) 72
D. Wakhu (KEN) 72
J. Kisia (BUR) 72
D. Odhiambo (KEN) 73
H. Mutaawe (UGA) 73
AllAfrica – All the Time
More here:
Akope Trails Ngige At Burundi Open