Zohaib Asif takes four-shot lead in SGA Cup

KARACHI: Defending champion Zohaib Asif brought himself to within striking distance of retaining his crown when he shot an impressive three-under-par 69 to take a three-shot lead in the opening round of the two-day SGA Cup golf tournament here on Saturday.

Exploiting familiar conditions at his home club – the Defence Authority Country and Golf Club (DACGC) – the lanky Zohaib made five birdies to lead the pack by a wide margin.

Four shots off the pace was Zohaib’s chief rival Waseem Rana, who shot a one-over 73 on the opening day. Also placed on a joint second place was lesser-known Arsalan Shikoh, who played a superb round of 73. He was followed by the duo of young Owais Intisar and Qazi Amir Hussain, an 8-handicapper who is an avid golfer. Both of them shot identical scores of 75. At 77 were the trio of Sajid Khan, M Sharif and Zubair Ahmed. At 78 were Vivek Anand, Captain Ansar Mahmood, Waqas Burki and Commodore Khalid Amin. At 79 were Saeed Khattak and Khalid Hussain while Lt Col Imtinan Kazmi returned with a card of 81.

Topping the leader-board in the two-day seniors’ event was Sohail K Rana, the former captain of the Karachi Golf Club who shot a 79. He was followed by Asad I A Khan, President SGA, who scored 80. He was followed by Captain Azhar Iqbal (81), Col Zahid Iqbal (83), Col Ansar Iqbal Zafar (84), Brig Saleem (84), Omar Khan Bangash (85), Parvez Ansari (86), Najmul Hasan Quddusi (86), Col Ahmed (86).

In the Juniors’ (Under-18) category, Junaid Irfan reigned supreme with a score of 75. He was followed by Huzaifa Aslam and Asad Ali Khan. The net winner was Danyal Jameel.

Hamza Shikoh won the Juniors’ Under-16 title with a score 84. He was followed by Ali Mehmood, Hamza Kahlon and Hasan Gheewala.

Anya Farooq (76) claimed top honours in the ladies event ahead of Naghmana Atif (86). Humair Khalid won the net title with a score 68 ahead of Maha (69).

In the veterans’ category, Wing Commander Aftab A Khan won the gross title with a score of 41 ahead of his namesake Group captain Aftab A Khan. Other prize winners were Jaleel Anwar and Syed Murtaza Askari.

The prize distribution ceremony of the tournament will take place on Sunday (today). Hussain Abdullah Haroon, Pakistan’s former ambassador to the UN, will be the chief guest.