Professionals
First round leaderboard
-2 D Odhiambo (KEN)
-1 J Hakizimana (RWA)
0 P Sendawula (UGA)
+1 D Akope (UGA)
+1 R Ainley (KEN)
+2 B Toolit (UGA)
+3 E Ruterana (RWA)
+3 G Ayella (UGA)
+4 G Olayo (UGA)
+J Kisia (BUR)
 
DAVID Odhiambo took an early lead in the paid ranks of the RwandAir Rwanda Open after shooting a two-under-par 70 yesterday.

The Kenyan’s round enabled him to claim a one-stroke lead in the four-day event being held at Kigali Golf Club.

Local boy and defending champion Jean Baptist Hakizimana put in a remarkable comeback to finish second on 71.

After bogeys on holes 1, 5 and 9, the MTN sponsored golfer bounced back with four birdies on the back nine (holes 10, 11, 14 and 18).

"I struggled on the front nine but I’m proud of the way I fought back on the back nine,” the 20-year-old said.

"I struggled with my putting. On hole one, I made three putts but I hope to improve in the coming rounds.”

"But I drove the ball well, got it in play on most of the holes. When I did hit a scratchy iron shot, my short game was really solid,” he continued.

2007 winner Emmanuel Ruterana could not emulate Saturday’s heroics were he carded a course record 63 after returning three-over-par 75 to tie with Uganda’s Gerard Ayella.

In the main category (handicap 0-9), Olivier Munyaneza made his intentions clear after beating defending champions Vincent ‘Araali’ Byamukama of Uganda on count back. The pair had tied on 73net.

Meanwhile, it was a forgettable outing for 2002 champion Davis Kashaka as the handicap 02 golfer struggled to 82net.

Ends