Charania scares Ngige after round three at Crown Challenge

Riz Charania tees off on the 10th tee during the third round of the Crown Invitational Challenge at Muthaiga Golf Club, June 6, 2019. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Windsor Golf & Country Club’s Riz Charania almost beat Thika Sports Club’s Simon Ngige as the Crown Invitational Challenge entered the homestretch yesterday.

Ngige, who led in round one and two, had found the going tough on the third round as he carded 2-over 73, taking his score to 70, 71, 73 (214).

Charania, who played level par 71 at Muthaiga Golf Club in the opener with 6-over par 77 in round two, returned with an impressive 4-under par 67 in the final round to finish second after the third round of the 72-hole event.

Charania said: “I hit the drives off the tee box and found the greens on regulation. I had the best  putting."

“I tried to rectify some of the errors that I realized after the first and second rounds and good enough they paid off,” said Charania

Charania played one better than Eric Ooko of Royal Nairobi Golf Club who posted 3-under par 68 to take his third round to 3-over par 74, 74, 68 (216).

Professional Golfers of Kenya skipper CJ Wangai played level par 70 in the second round shot 2-over par 73 to take the third spot.

Despite returning a low score, Golf Park’s Tony Omuli had an impressive show as he carded 2-over par 73 after collecting 73 on the opening round and a 72 in the second round hit 5-over 218. David Opati remained consistent as he carded 74, 72, 72 (218) to finish sixth.

Edwin Mudanyi played 1-over par 72 in the third round to lie sixth with 7-over 220 at round three. G Giddy came in seventh at 8-over par 221.

Dismas Indiza, the long hitter, shot 7-over 78 to record his worst round in the event after carding identical 71s’ in the first two rounds for 9-over par 222 to tie in eighth with Uganda's Phillip Kasozi 71, 76, 75 (222). Jacob Okello 71, 77, 74 (222) and Muthaiga’s resident pro Nelson Mudanyi 76, 73, 73 (222) followed.

Twelve pros will tee off this morning for the final round in the chase for a share of Sh1 million prize. Eldoret Clubs’ Boniface Simwa, JW Karanja and NM Ngugi will lead the onslaught. The last group comprises Erick Ooko, Riz Charania and Simon Ngige who will tee off at 8:40 am.

Athletics
Kenyan stars ready for World Cross showdown in Belgrade
By Ben Ahenda 9 hrs ago
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Tanak urges Kenyan children to take up motorsports as a career
Rugby
SCHOOLS: From the classroom to the field, Kisumu Girls ready to lift national rugby trophy
Motorsport
Safari Rally 2024: Neuville clinches Kasarani stage as Hyundai makes intention known