-They had both tied on the same score at the end of three rounds that placed them in the play off to decide the winner;
DOUGLAS MWALE-IMG KENYA LIMITED;
Nyali Golfer Adel Balala stunned defending Michael Karanga of Kiambu in a sudden dramatic playoff to win the NCBA Series Kabete open 2024 golf tournament that ended at the par 72 Vetlab Golf Club course on Sunday evening.
Balala and Karanga of Kiambu tied on three days round total of a four-over par 220 gross after finishing the 54 holes where they were forced into play-offs in holes 1st, 17th and 18th with all ties to decide the winner.
Balala started off day one on Friday with a two under par 70 gross, played the same score on day two on Saturday and a disastrous eight over par 80gross in the final day on Sunday.
In the three-hole Strokeplay, Nyali’s Balala dropped two shots while Kiambu’s Karanga rolled in a bogey in hole one, on 17th, levelled a par while Karanga’s bogeyed to level into the 18th hole with and both sank a par to call for sudden death playoff.
Balala’s victory that stunned his rival Karanga came at the sudden death play-off in hole 18th where after all had fired a birdie to play again in the same hole but was lucky to level par after his rival played a bogey shot.
“Iam extremely happy for this win. I had played well the first two rounds but after much pressure, the final round did not turn out well which forced to the play off. I thank my rival Karanga for putting up a spirited fight though it was not his day and I also thank the sponsors and organizers for all their efforts to make this event successful. Let’s wait to fight another day, “said Balala.
Runners up placed Karanga played a three over par 75 in the first day, a one over par 74 gross in the second day and a one under par 71 gross in the final day.
Taking the third slot was Uganda’s Joseph Cwinyaai on a total of 225 gross (69-73-81) while the third slot on a total of 226 gross each was shared with Golf Parks Josphat Rono and VetLab’s Krish Shah.
NCBA Bank supported the tournament as title sponsors and organized by Kenya Golf Union that attracted an impressive field of 133 players from Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, and the United Kingdom.
The event was a qualifying tournament for the World Amateur Golf Championship as well as the local KAGC ranking, adding to its significance and prestige.
Action now moves to the Kenya Coast where the Amateurs are expected to flex their muscles for the three days 54 holes 2024 Coast Open-Barry Cup Championship that kicks from this Friday to Sunday.
Leaderboard after final round:
Adel Balala-Nyali-70-70-80-220gross,Michael Karanga-Kiambu-75-74-71-220gross,Joseph Cwinyaai-UGA-69-73, 81-225gross,Josphat Rono-Golf Park-78-72-76-226gross,Krish Shah-Vetlab-77-75-74-226gross,Jean D’Amour-Kigali, RWA-74-77-76-227gross,Shashwat Harish-Muthaiga-79-75-74-228gross,Isaac Makokha-Vetlab-76, 76-76-228gross,Micahel Alunga-UGA-77-76-76-229gross,James Mwangi-Golf Park-77-75-77-229gross,John Lejirma-Kenya Railways-76-78-75-229gross,Elvis Muigua-Kiambu-76-76-77-229gross.
ENDS;
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