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Brandon Moyo, Sports Reporter
ZIMBABWEAN golfer Nyasha Muyambo was crowned champion for the first time in the Safari Tour at Limuru Country Club in Kenya yesterday.
The Zimbabwean played 71, 75, 67, 69 in his rounds for a gross total of 282 and six under par to take home the prestigious title. Muyambo edged fellow countryman beating his compatriot Visitor Mapwanya by five shots.
Having started the day as joint leader with previous winner and countryman, Robson Chinhoi, Muyambo maintained the same momentum that saw him cross the line.
Chinhoi went on to finish in position three tied with Mike Kisia with a gross total of 288 and zero under par. Chinhoi recorded scores of 78, 67, 68, 75 over the four rounds.
Second placed Mapwanya, who had at the start of the final day dropped from the top ended with scores of 69, 75, 76, 67 for a gross total of 287 and one under par.
Muyambo, who is a member of Chapman Golf Club in Harare picked his first birdie at the third hole before dropping a shot at the par five-fourth, a bogey he was able to cancel at the ninth with a birdie three.
The first time winner complemented his counterpart Chinhoi whom he has learnt a lot from.
“First of all I want to thank God for everything, as I draw my strength from the almighty, and but more or so, would like to appreciate my colleague Robson Chinhoi, as I have learned a lot from him since the Uganda Open’’ said Muyambo.
The win is not the end of the road for the Zimbabwean who is eyeing a place at the Magical Kenya Open.
“My game has been good save for the second round where I managed to drop a number of shots but I was able to correct some of the few mistakes, I am very happy winning this week in a strong field against some of the best players like my fellow Zimbabweans.
My plan is play all the tour events and see if I will be able to qualify for the Magical Kenya Open,” he added during his post-game interview.
Muyambo birdied the 10th, 11th and 13th but dropped two back to back shots thereafter though he finished well with a birdie at the 18th. His maiden victory earned him Sh300, 000 plus 50 points towards the Order of Merit.
Former winner Chinhoi believes he is on the right track as well for the Magical Kenya Open despite yesterday’s defeat.
“I have been playing well though made some few bad shots particularly in the final round, was not able to recover, but not to worry as I still believe am on the right track for the Magical Kenya Open next which this time I would like to play well and make it to the last two rounds,’’ said Chinhoi.
With the completion of the Safari Tour, the next tour is in Vipingo from November 26 to 30. — @brandon_malvin
Online Reporter