Dingle leads the way at FBC Zim Open

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter

SOUTH African Wynand Dingle took the overnight lead after the opening round of the FBC Zimbabwe Open Golf Championship when he carded an impressive six-under at Royal Harare yesterday. Dingle started the day on a roller coaster as he maintained the lead from mid-morning after he carded 66.

The Silver Lakes Country Club player, who turned professional in 2008, is ahead of Adam Breen, Neil Schietekat, Jacques de Villies and Peter Karmis, who are all on five-under, and trail by a single shot.

The 38-year-old Dingle is in fine form after he won his last tournament – the VOG San Lameer back in November.

The South African only dropped a shot in the par-three-hole number two and had an eagle in number 16.

As usual, South African players are showing dominance as they are in control of the top 10 with Kermis, who is also South African but plays under the Greek flag, in the mix.

Last year Dingle was tied on position eight after the second round. However, he is showing more intent this time around.

Karmis was able to call on his considerable experience and post a five-under 67 to share second place with another seasoned pro in Neil Schietekat and Jacques P. de Villiers and Adam Breen.

“I managed my game well and I was a bit lucky at times, sinking long putts, my short game kept me alive and when I was in the rough I seemed to find gaps between the trees,” Karmis said.

“I’m playing with a lot of control at the moment, hitting the ball where I want to, which leads to a lot of confidence. And the greens are so pure here, it’s crazy how good they are, so you’re always going to make some putts.

“A good dinner and a good night’s sleep will be key to shooting low again tomorrow (today).”

Jovan Rebula was six-under-par through nine holes but then faded on the back nine, finishing with a 68 that left him in sixth place.

Conner Mackenzie, Keegan Mclanchlan, Ricky Handler and LB Boshoff are tied for seventh place on three-under.

The best performing Zimbabwean golfers feature on position 11 where Davison Elijah, who has been playing in the Sunshine Tour’s Seniors Tour, is joined by Promise Sombrero and Robson Chinhoi. They are all on two-under-par 70.

On one under-par there is Biggie Chibvuri, Tonderai Masunga and Stuart Krog. Pride Sembo, Kieran Vincent, Mohammad Rauf Mandhu, Ignatius Mketekete and Shaaid Mahmed are on level par.