Golfer Adel Balala on Sunday evening beat Chandaria Neer in a tense play-off during the Muthaiga Open Club to clinch his first victory at the Kenya Amateur Golf Championships this year.
In a thrilling sudden death play-off at the 18th hole of the par 71 Muthaiga Golf Club, Balala emerged victorious over Neer from Muthaiga, sinking a par while Neer settled for a bogey.
The intense competition saw both players tied at five over par 218 after the three-day 54-hole tournament, marking the fourth round of the KAGC series.
Balala’s performance in the final round included a two-over-par 73, following his one-over-par 72 and two-over-par 73 in the first two rounds.
Balala, initially facing a challenging start on the final day, rallied back with impressive birdies and finished the round with a level par 36 on the front nine.
His strategic play continued on the back nine, resulting in a final score of two over 73.
Neer Chandaria, the home player, faced a competitive round, ultimately posting a three-over-par 74.
Despite a birdie on the 18th hole, he fell short in the playoff against Balala.
Elvis Muigua of Kiambu, the KAGC series leader, secured the third position with a score of 219.
Top ten on the Leaderboard
o Adel Balala (Nyali) 72, 73, 73 = 218
o Neer Chandaria (Muthaiga) 73, 71, 74 = 218
o Elvis Muigua (Kiambu) 75, 72, 72 = 219
o Dennis Maara (Limuru) 72, 75, 73 = 220
o T5. John Lejirma (Kenya Railways) 75, 76, 72 = 223
o T5. Felix Dusabe (Kigali-RWA) 75, 75, 73 = 223
o T5. Josphat Rono (Golf Park) 73, 76, 74 = 223
o Sammy Mulama (Mombasa) 72, 75, 77 = 224
o T9. Isaac Makokha (Vet Lab) 78, 72, 75 = 225
o T9. Joyce Wanjiru (Kiambu) 79, 70, 76 = 225
o T9. James Kamenchu (Royal) 75, 77, 73 = 225