Rwanda Open

Leader board

1. D. Ndiza   (KEN)                282
2. JB Hakizimana  (RWA)   286
3. A. Kimani   (UGA)             286
4. D. Akope   (UGA)               287
5. E. Ruterana  (RWA)        297

JEAN Baptist Hakizimana had himself to blame for failing to win this year’s Rwanda Open professional category. Heading into yesterday’s final round with a four-stroke lead, the former MTN sponsored golfer dramatically folded.

He shot six bogeys; three on the front nine (2, 3, 7) and three on the back nine (15, 16, 18) on his way to a disappointing three-over par 75 at Kigali Golf Club.
He finished off with 286; four strokes shot of Kenya’s Dismas Ndiza who carded an impressive six-under par 66 on the final day to win the competition.

After day three, the 41-year-old was five shots off the pace but six birdies on holes 2,3,11,12,14,15 and an eagle on the 18th were enough to sway the competition back in his favour.

After receiving his share $1200 (approx.Rwf702, 000), the Kenyan, who is based in South Africa, said that he was thrilled with his performance.

"It was been a tough competition and I’m glad I pulled through. The course was very challenging especially on the 3rd, 4th, 17th and 18th holes,” he conceded.

Hakizimana settled for $800 while Uganda’s Ali Kimani pocketed $600 after losing to Hakizimana on count back.
The professionals were competing for $5000 (Rwf2, 920,000) courtesy of RwandAir, the official sponsors of the four-day tournament.

In the amateurs’ category, Kenya’s Joseph Kasanja shot 292 to win the gross competition while Joseph Semwaga dominated the net category after stroking 285 over four days. Semwaga beat Francois Habimana by five strokes.

Ends