Slim victories dominate Round 2 of Singleton Golf Challenge
Different Days. Silver Rugambwa (L) and his partner Ashraf Bagalana qualified whereas Richard Mwami (R) and his partner Tony Kisadha lost to Angudeyo and Mwesigye. PHOTOS BY EDDIE CHICCO
What you need to know:
- Golf. Only seven pairings managed scores of 3-up or above with the other nine winning combos having to grit their teeth for slim wins including one (Tim Mwanda & Ssuubi Kiwanuka) that went to the first hole of playoff.
Entebbe. Season Three of the Singleton Matchplay Golf Challenge is well poised after Round II saw the 32 pairings still in the mix spring up their best golf of the season thus at the lakeside par-71 Entebbe Club course on March 9.
Statistics don’t lie and the scores on the day told the story in detail with the many of the pairings have to dig deep for their victories after enthralling matches on a beautiful sunny day.
The lady combos made a good account of themselves proving that their returns in the Round One were no flash in the pan with another solid shift that saw all four of them progress to Round III (Quarterfinals) scheduled for April 13.
Amiable Moureen Okura and Martha Babirye edged the in-form pairing of Moses Mukiibi and Tusker Malt Lager (TML) Series winner Paul Ndyaguma 1-up at the 18th hole to keep their dreams of winning the grand prize – a flight to the OMEGA Dubai Desert Classic in January 2020 – alive.
Left-hander Gloria Mbaguta and Hon. Evelyn Asiimwe outlasted Paul Katuramu and former cricketer Serwano Walusimbi 2-up; and then passionate Wendy Angudeyo and Doreen Mwesigye ground out a slim 1-up triumph against Tony Kisadha and Ezee Money’s Richard Mwami to ensure the keep an eye on those coveted tickets to the Gulf.
Only defending champions Peace Kabasweka and Sheila Kesiime got really going on the day with an authoritative 5-up with four holes to go victory against Barnabas Bakamuntumaho and Robert Sabiiti.
Credit must also be given one lady; Caroline Namutebi for pairing with a gentleman Collins Odere, to book their slot to the next round, after overcoming the hard-fighting Jaime Byarunhanga and Mark Nsubuga 1-up.
Season One winners Isaac Mariera and John Muchiri also silently eased into the next round with a convincing 4-up with two holes to go (4/2) win against the talented pair of Phillip Kajerero Sebbaale and Britam’s Edgar Muzahura.
The crowd favourites Kiryowa Kiwanuka and Elly Mukasa also progressed courtesy of a dominant Benson Katema and leftie William Mutyaba on a super ‘All White’ evening that was lit-up with performances from comedians Madrat and Chiko plus Teacher Mpamire/Sevo and emcee Patrick Salvador Idringi at the 19th hole.
ROUND III - MATCH UPS
Patterson/Salani vs. Mwesigye/Ibra B.
Mariera/Muchiri vs. Atuhaire/ Orach
Kabasweka/Kesiime vs. Kato/Odere
Mwanda/Ssuubi vs. Hamya/Bogera
Rugambwa/Ashraf vs. Kajungu/Nuwagira
Mbaguta/Asiiimwe vs. Okura/Babirye
Angudeyo/Mwesigye vs. Kiryowa/Mukasa
Businge/Lutwama vs. Odere/Namutebi
