Kenyans in early lead at Burundi Open

First round leaderboard:Dismas Ndiza 69 (Ken)David Wakhu 69 (Ken)JB Hakizimana 70 (Rwa)Emmanuel Ruterana 71 (Rwa)Njuguna Ngugi 72 (Ken)*Selected results:Ernest Ndayisaba 73 (Rwa)Onito Opio 73 (Uga)Richard Ainley 74 (Ken)Deo Akope 74 (Uga)BUJUMBURA. Defending champion Dismas Ndiza and his compatriot David Wakhu are tied in the lead after the first round of the 2013 Burundi Open, one shot ahead of Rwanda’s Jean Baptiste Hakizimana.The Kenyan duo scored an impressive two under 69 on day one of the three-day professional tournament at the Bujumbura Golf Club, while Hakizimana, who won on this course two years ago returned a one under 70 to put himself high in the race for the top cash prize of US$2400.The holder, Ndiza came into the tournament as the overwhelming favourite and his first round performance should send shivers through his rivals going into today’s second round where he is paired with Hakizimana.However, Rwanda’s number two says he is ready to play against the tournament favourite, “You always want to play against the best and I am always excited to be pitted against him (Ndiza),” Hakizimana said.Rwanda’s top ranked professional Emmanuel Ruterana ended the first round on level 71 and is in fourth position, two shots behind the leading duo. Another Rwandan Ernest Ndayisaba scored two over 73 to stay four strokes off the pace in 11th position.Ndayisaba is tied with Uganda’s Onito Opion in 12th position, one shot ahead of Kenya’s Richard Ainley and Uganda’s top player Deo Akope a former Rwanda Open champion.Kenyans Njuguna Ngugi, Simon Ngige (72), David Odhiambo (72), Nelson Mudanyi (72), Sullivun Muthugia (73) and John Wangayi (73) wrap the top ten.

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Kenyans in early lead at Burundi Open