Guyanese golfer Avinash Persaud captured his fourth Guyana Open Golf title when he defeated Canadian Roger Rajkumar who placed second while 2011 winner Trinidad-based Papo Haniff failed to make it in the top three in a thrilling finish yesterday at the Lusignan Golf Club.
Defending women’s champion Christine Sukhram retained her title returning from a first day deficit to beat Surinamese Nom Sook Choi who led on the first day in the two-day championships sponsored by local beverage giants Banks DIH under the XM Rum brand.
But it was the men’s championship flight (0-9 handicap) which had golf enthusiasts and spectators on the trail of the leaders as Persaud held his nerve on the final three holes to claim victory ending with a overall 155 gross to edge out to Rajkumar who secured 156 while Mohanlall “Santo” Dinnanauth was third with 157.
Kassim Khan captured the best net with an overall 141 followed by Rajkumar with 142 and Vijay Deo third with 146.
In the ladies competition, Sukhram won the best gross and best net titles with scores of 160 and 138 respectively claiming her sixth Guyana Open title.
Choi placed second in both categories with scores of 176 and 148 while her compatriot M.J. Kim claimed third with scores of 191 and 151.
The men’s “B” Flight (10-18 handicap) also produced another scorcher with Roy Cummings 165 gross maintaining his first day lead to beat Canadian Seupaul Suknanan 167 while Colin Ming claimed third also with 167 being edged out by Suknanan on a countback.
Ming, however, won the best net with 141, Cummings placed second also with 141 and Kishan Bacchus third with 142.
Veteran golfer Maurice Solomon continued from where he left off Saturday to claim victory in the 19-29 Flight with 185 gross. He also had the best net (141).
Canadian-based Esau Shamshudin was second with gross 192 while his compatriot Brij Bissessar ended on 194.
Dave Mohamed placed second in the net category with 145 while Surinamese H. Druventak placed third with 147.
President of the Lusignan Golf Club Jerome Khan was loud in praise for sponsors Banks DIH stating that the company has maintained its sponsorship for over the past 10 years and he looked forward to their continued support.
Dwain Bristol, XM Brand Manager said his company was extremely pleased to sponsor the tournament this year.
He disclosed that Banks DIH will be looking forward to sponsoring the Guyana Open for many more years.
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