Asfandyar maintains lead in Governor’s Cup Golf

LAHORE: Asfandyar Khan maintained his supremacy on day two of the 33rd Governor’s Cup Golf Tournament at the Lahore Gymkhana Golf Course on Saturday.

The three-round tournament is progressing at a stirring pace. After two rounds of intense competition, many towering aspirants found themselves weeded out of contention as they hit inaccurate shots. Hence, their scores ballooned and far exceeded the over-par range that does not fetch any kind of honours.

A heartening aspect, however, was that the overnight leader, 17-year-old Asfandyar, a student of A-levels, kept his hold on the top position by playing steadily and avoiding any kind of hiccups.

Once again he was accurate off the tees and his shot-making from the fairways was crisp and target-oriented. He produced a round of 71 on the second day, which gives him an aggregate score of 138, six under par over two days.

He has an advantage of three strokes over his nearest rivals — Ahmed Zafar Hayat, a seasoned golfer with considerable experience, and Asad Abbas, who has hardly any experience of a three-day event.

These two contenders are bracketed at a score of 141, three under par but ability-wise Ahmed Zafar is capable of giving a tough time to the leader.

Rehman Saleem scored 142 followed by Hamza Mansoor, a former title holder, at 143.

Also at 143 is Lt Col Adil Jehangir. Others in line are Ahmed Baig (144), and Taimur Shabbir and Tariq Abbas Qureshi at 146 respectively. Meanwhile, Ahmed Nawaz Tiwana, Jamal Nasir, Usman Ahmed and Tanwir Najam Butt are at 147.

The outstanding rounds of the second day came from Hamza Mansoor and Ahmed Zafar with a gross round of 67 and 68 respectively.

In the fight for the gross honours, Ahmed Baig leads the chase with a two-day gross of 148. Ahmed Zafar Hayat has a two-day gross aggregate of 149 with Wazir Ali at 153 and Sardar Murad at 154.

Sunday (today) is the final day of the tournament. The prize distribution ceremony will be held at 5 pm in which Muhammed Rafiq Rajwana, Governor Punjab, will be the chief guest.