By Delvon MC Ewan
Avinash Persaud galloped to a fifth title while Joaan Deo won her first Digicel Guyana Open Golf tournament yesterday at the Lusignan Golf Course (LGC).
Like he did on four previous occasions, starting in 2006 with his most recent success in 2012, Persaud outplayed his counterparts to win the 0-9 flight title with a gross of 144 and a net of 140. Deo won with a net of 141 and a gross of 181.
Persaud, who resumed yesterday in the lead, scored a gross of 70 for a net 68.
Avinda Kishore was second gross of 153 while Fiji-born Jalen Rahaman had the third best gross score of 156.
Rishi Sukhram had the second best net score of 146 Kishore’s net of 147 was the third best score.
Former champion Alfred Mentore who was among the top three contenders at the end of day one missed out after having a bad day on the course
Like Avinash, Deo held the lead along with Shenella Webster heading into the final day of the ladies competition yesterday. The 24-year-old, who was also the youngest female competitor, began the day with a gross of 94 and a net of 75.
However, Deo prevailed after a better second day’s play saw her record a gross of 87 for a net 66. Christine Sukhram finished second while Webster came in third.
Canadian player Suknanan who entered day two with (G76 N65) and the front runner in the ‘B’ Flight (10-18), maintained that lead to the end to win with a gross of 157 and a net of 137. He was followed by Roy Cummings who finished with a gross of 160 and L. Ramsundar a gross of 156. Although Suknanan won his category, his net score was second best as the highest net score was recorded by M. Shaffie of the United States of America while Cummings was third.
In the ‘C’ Flight (19-28) Parmanand Persaud ended with a gross of 183 followed by Mahendra Bhagwandin (184) and Richard Hanif (187). Bhagwandin had the best net which was 132 while Patanjalee `Pur’ Persaud and Parmanand Persaud finished with net scores of 136 and 141 respectively.
After being crowned champions Avinash Persaud and Deo were on hand for an interview with this publication. Avinash Persaud said he had a point to prove (he is the best golfer in Guyana). The player who seemed very relaxed and in no way surprised, declared that he was confident of winning the tournament from the beginning.
Unlike Avinash, Deo said it was her first victory in this competition and it came through hard work and dedication. She said her preparation included many 5a.m training at the course which was followed by afternoon exercises at the said course. The petite player dedicated her achievement to her family, friends and others who have supported her throughout.
President of the LGC David Mohamad said the event was a success and he was hopeful that the tournament will continue to grow annually.
Patrons turned out in their scores to see various golfers from Canada, USA, Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname compete in the two-day tournament.
Caption: Digicel female and 0-9 flight golf champions Joaan Deo and Avinash Persaud.
