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Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
RYAN Cairns was crowned the champion of the Zimbabwe Professional Golfers Association Championship, presented by Universal Sports Club, at Royal Harare yesterday.
The 38-year-old followed his opening round of four-under-par 68 with a three under-69 and a closing round of four-under 68 to beat Robson Chinhoi into second place. Cairns walked home US$1 485 richer after his 11-under-par total score.
The Royal Harare-based professional was impressed with his perfomance and said he is looking for more wins in the future.
“I am grateful after all the effort to come out tops, the competition was tough but I remained focused.
“The course played well and it was difficult to take the lead from day one until the final day. Robson Chinhoi is playing well and he gave me competition. Playing in the Sunshine Tour has given me so much experience which I think worked on my side. It is good that we are having more tournaments as professional golfers and I thank the current executive,” said Cairns.
Chinhoi, who has been doing well this year, had the best round of 65 on the final day to consolidate his opening round of 74 and a second round of 70 to pocket US$1 196.
Seasoned campaigner Robson Saurombe carded and impressive four-under 212 after rounds of 70, 70 and 73 to settle for third place.
The Mutare-born professional, who has been lying low after his suspension, is back in the groove and believes he has a lot to offer to the local golfing community.
“I am glad with this week’s performance and I am now back in the game. Golf is part of my life and I had resorted to coaching which kept me going.
“The tournament was tough but I remained focused. My hope is to have more of these tournaments and I thank the sponsors for their kind gesture,” said Saurombe. Ever improving former Falcon-based Never Milanzi, who had a solid start, managed to maintain his good start to the end as he finished fourth to pocket US$660 for his efforts.
Nyasha Muyambo, who recently won the Limbilu Golf Open in Kenya, completed the top five to pocket US$561.
Pride Sembo, who was raised through the Zimbabwe Golf Association structures, was tied sixth with Mohammed Mandhu
The local professionals will now look forward to the SeedCo Malawi Open which tees off next week.
Online Reporter