Brian Gondo on course

Lovemore Dube Senior Sports Editor
BULAWAYO Golf Club professional Brian Gondo, shot a four under par 68 to take over the lead of the Golden Pilsener Zambezi Tour Harare Open yesterday. Gondo, a runner up in last month’s successful Chaferfly Hwange Golf Open, also part of the Zambezi tour, had carded 73 in the opening round on Thursday. He was in superb form yesterday rising to the occasion with an impressive 63 which saw him leap to the leadership board.

A win would improve his position on the Zimbabwe Order of Merit in a season hit by injuries that has restricted him to just a few appearances.

In an interview after finishing second in Hwange, Gondo said he was hopeful the Harare Open would see him continue with his purple patch.

However his gross score of 141 after the two rounds has left him just a point better off than South African Sipho Bujela.

On the opening day of the championships, Buhela hit 72 and was two under par to take his tally to 172 after yesterday’s two under par 70.

Zimbabwean pro, Mohammad Mandhu stayed third at the close of play with a gross score of 143 having carded scores of 72 on Thursday and 71 yesterday as intense competition ensued in the $20,000 sponsored event chiefly by Delta Beverages.

The South Africans who are coming in numbers to the promising Zimbabwean circuit had John Bele lying fourth last night tied on 143 with Mandhu. His opening round mark was 71, and yesterday he hit a score of 72 to stay within the chasing pack for what promises to be an enthralling finish.

Nickson Masunga, a Zimbabwean professional made sure that the country could be well represented at the top with scores of 71 and 72 (143).

Ignatius Mtekete, always among the favourites on the local scene is going into today’s proceedings with a gross score of 143 eked out of scores of 71 and 72, he remains a potent force for a top three finish. Also tied on that figure is local hero Steven Ferreira who could make life difficult for yesterday’s front runners with some good putting and a game of cool nerves.

Zimbabwean professional Peter Banda overcame a bad first day start of a score of 73 to hit 71 yesterday, for a par 144 for the two days.

Winner of the last Zambezi Tour event in Hwange Musiwalo Nethunzwi is finding the going tough.

Competition continues this morning with the professional golfers and elite amateurs teeing off together in what promises to be a tightly contested finale.