-Bad weather forces Tournament Director Were to reschedule round three to Friday after noon;
MAARUFU MOHAMED-NEWSLINKS;
Team Kenya overcame bad weather to take lead against Ugandans in day one on Thursday after the first two rounds during the ongoing 2023 Victoria Cup golf tournament being played at the Kampala’s par 72 Uganda Golf Club Course in Uganda.
They beat Uganda with a total of 5.5 points to close the day with a three point’s difference.
The day kicked off on a high note after Kenya one golfer Michael Karanga playing with the just concluded Sigona Bowl winner Elvis Muigai returned 4/3 against the Ugandan team of Captain Joseph Cwinya-ai and Andrew Ssekibejja in the first round of the foursomes played in the morning.
Team Kenya Captain Dennis Maara and John Lejirma beat Uganda’s Joseph Kasozi and Amon Bwambale 1UP and the same score returned by team Kenya’s Sammy Mulama and Krisch Beiju against Uganda’s Titus Okwong and Elton Thembo.
Kenya’s team of Adel Balala and Ebill Omollo put the last nail on Uganda’s Ibrahim Bagalana and Andrew Ssemakula beating them by 2 UP.
In the second round of the Four Ball, Better Ball played in the afternoon of the same day, Kenya won 2.5 against Uganda’s 1.5.
It started off with a sour note with Team Kenya’s Josphat Rono and Danny Chelogoi losing to Uganda team of Reagan Joseph Akena and Cwinya-ai 4/2.
But this didn’t deter Kenyans battle after Team Captain Dennis Maara and John Lejirma brought 2 UP against Uganda’s Andrew Ssekibejja and Elton Thembo.
Team Kenya’s Sammy Mulama with Krisch Beiju did not disappoint either when they floored Uganda’s Joseph Kasozi and Amon Bwambale 4/2.
The day’ final match was equally not so bad after Adel Balala and Ebill Omollo ended it at all square with Uganda’s Ibrahim Bagalana and John Musiimenta.
According to a notice released on Thursday evening by the Tournament Director Dr.Jackson Were, a new schedule of the four days tournament has been rescheduled following the bad weather condition after heavy rains and the third round of foursomes’ match that was set to be played yesterday (Friday) morning was called off.
“ The Fourth round of the four-balls ( Better Ball) event will be played on Friday afternoon as scheduled and the fifth round Singles and Subsidiary will be played on Saturday with the culmination of the prize giving ceremony in the afternoon,” said Were.
The Director further explained that for the Victoria Cup to be a valid competition a minimum of three rounds must be played.
Team Kenya Captain Dennis Maara of Limuru Golf Club has assured Kenyans again that his team is doing all it can to bring the cup home.
“We are set and ready and shall use all our vast skills experience and nothing will stop us from bring the trophy home. We are just smelling it away. Please Kenyans continue praying for us, “said Maara.
Head of Delegation and Kenya Golf Union (KGU) Chairman Philip Ochola noted that the Kenyan squad is poised to make its mark in this prestigious event.
“The tourney is a two-way match play golf tournament that follows the renowned Ryder Cup format, intensifying the competition and fostering camaraderie among participating nations. This biennial match play golf tournament was established in 2016, and the tournament attracts top golfing talent from participating nations, fostering friendly competition and camaraderie on the golf course. It holds special significance as the trophy was generously donated by Kenyan marathon icon Moses Tanui,”said Ochola.
Team Coach John van Liefland expressed confidence in Kenya’s fifth victory, citing the meticulous team selection and rigorous training sessions.
Kenya has a remarkable track record, claiming victory in 2016, 2017, and 2018, with a temporary setback in 2019 against Uganda.
The tournament faced a hiatus in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but Kenya reclaimed the title in 2022 and the 2023 edition was not held after a request from Kenya to postpone the event.
The Victoria Cup is a bi-annual golf tournament between the national teams of Uganda and Kenya and returned back after a two-year absence at Limuru club in Nairobi with Kenya winning the tournament.
COMPETING PLAYERS;
Kenya;
Dennis Maara,John Lejirma, Michael Karanga, Adel Balala, Elvis Muigua, Ebill Omollo, Sammy Mulama, Josphat Rono, Krisch Beiju and Danny Chelogoi;
Uganda;
Joseph Reagan Akena, Ibrahim Bagalana, Amon Bwambale, Joseph Cwinya-ai, Joseph Kasozi, John Musimenta, Titus Okwong, Andrew Ssekibejja, Ibrahim Ssemakula and Elton Thembo;
ENDS;
NOTE;
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