Khush bounces back to win 71st Sungura Cup at Vet

Rakesh Lakhani (L) congratulates Khush Thakkar (R) after beating him in the Sungura Cup [Photo: Mose Sammy]

Khush Thakkar playing off handicap 24, defeated Rakesh Lakhani 3 and 1 to win the 71 st Sungura cup 2018 match-play championship finals hosted at Vet Lab sports club over the weekend.

Rakesh the immediate past captain was 1 up at the turn before a rejuvenated Khush pared six holes back to back from the 11th hitting his tee shot on the par-3 16th to within inches. He then sunk a 25–foot birdie putt, setting himself up for the deserved win.

Ironically Rakesh introduced Khush 16 and a family friend, to the gentleman's game five years ago, unknown to him that he would someday humble him in a prestigious tournament. 

Ealier Khush defeated Munir Virani 4 and 2 in the semifinals, while Rakesh beat George Mbaria 2 up to set himself up against Khush in the finals.

Sungura cup match-play championship is open to any amateur golfer playing between handicap 16 and 28, with a majority of the club's membership being found is within this handicap bracket and its sponsored by Prof. O.L.E. Mbatia and avid golfer himself.

"On the front nine I felt intimidated playing against the very person who introduced me to matters golf, the nervousness messed my game psychologically. By the turn I felt easy around him, my short game somehow bounced back, my tee-shots were finding the fairways like 90 percent, yeah and my caddy/trainer Scotch, really helped with the game plan particularly with reading the putt line, am short of words for the win." Khush said of his win

In the subsidiary section; Mukesh Bector was the Overall winner on a score of 41 stableford points, round one Men winner was Henry Obino with 61 nett, round two Men winner Japheth Njenga on a score of 41 stableford points.

Ladies subsidiary winner was Chemutai Kenei on a score of 75 nett, the Guest winners prize went to J Bhatt on a score of 44 stableford points as Rohit Shah won the Senior winner prize on a score of 39 stableford points.

Sungura Cup winners at a Glance;

Overall winner Khush Thakkar 5 & 4.

Runners-up Rakesk Lakhani

Overall subsidiary winner;Mukesh Bector with 41 pts.

Men subsidiary winner RD 1; Henry Obino with 61 nett.

Men subsidiary winner RD 2; Japheth Njenga 41 pts.

Lady winner winner RD1; Chemutai Kenei with 75 nett.

Lady winner winner RD2; Chemutai Kenei with 75 nett.

Guest winner; J Bhatt with 44 pts.

Senior winner; Rohit Shah with 39 pts.