Defending champion Papo Haniff of Trinidad and Tobago and three-time winner Guyanese Avinash Persaud share the lead while reigning queen Christine Sukhram of Guyana trails at the end of the first day action at the XM Rums sponsored Guyana Open Golf championships yesterday at the Lusignan Golf Club.
It was an intriguing first day of golf as the players asserted themselves ahead of what is anticipated to be a close final day today. Haniff and Persaud both ended the first day with a gross of 75 while Canada-based Roger Rajkumar is in third place with a gross of 78 in the championship flight for 0-9 handicappers.
Patrick Prashad, Kassim Khan and Imran Khan are tied on a gross of 79 each.
Roy Cummings holds the lead in the 10-18 flight with a gross of 81 followed by Rawle Moore with a gross of 82 while Lakeram Ramsundar, B. Harry, Colin Ming and R. Misir are all in striking distance.
Maurice Solomon was large and in charge in the 19-28 Flight with a gross of 90 followed by Canada-based Esau Shanshudin with a gross of 94 and Mark Lashley a gross of 96.
Sook Choi Nam of Suriname leads defending champion Suhkram in the ladies competition with a gross of 80 and a net of 65 playing off a handicap of 15.
Suhkram shot a gross 82 for a net 71 playing off an 11 handicap.
Six female players are in contention including Guyanese Joaan Deo for top honours in the two-day tournament sponsored by local beverage giants Banks DIH Limited under its XM family of rum brand.
George McDonald, Banks DIH Assistant Managing Director/Marketing Director performed the symbolic tee off at 06:30 hours.
The players will be in action today as they seek to capture the coveted title of Guyana Open champions in the men’s and women’s competition.
