KAMBALE IS UGI GOLF CHAMPION - March 04 2008

Gabriel Kambale on 1st March stood head and shoulders above a field of 55 golfers to emerge the champion of the United General Insurance (UGI) two-day closed championship at the Blantyre Sports Club (BSC). Playing in moderately sweltering conditions, Kambale saw-off a spirited challenge to win with a gross of 155 points— three ahead of his runner-up and seasoned golfer Harold Lungu.

For his feat, Kambale went back home with a 14-inch Sony Television screen. "It was wonderful, we had a good time out there and I would like to thank my playing partners and, in particular, the sponsors UGI," said Kambale who was visibly floating on cloud nine. On third position in the Championship Division with a gross of 163 was Jason Perreira. Dan Vosloo emerged the winner in the A Division with a gross of 158, Phil Madinga came second with a gross of 172 while James Katunga was third with a gross of 173.

In B Division, Ahmed Abbas came tops with a gross of 188, followed by Ralph Kamoto who had a 190 gross while Wisdom Mchungula came third with a gross of 194. They all received assorted prizes. But 16-year-old blossoming golfer Tarang Makhecha stole the show on day one when he hit a rare hole-in-one.

The fourth form student at South End High School, was obviously over the mood with his feat. "I am very excited, it comes very rare," said a grinning Makhecha who carted home K20,000 for his feat. There were three clubs on day one—Phillip Phambana, Hudson Kantwanje and Yong Noh— they each got K3,000.

Perreira was nearest to the pin on hole number 12 while William Nuka had the longest drive on hole number six. There were two clubs on day two and these were Vosloo and Masa Kapanda— they got K3,000 each. Kamoto was nearest to the pin on day two while Fukan Gani had the longest drive. Former UGI's general manager (Operations) Bardon Mbera thanked the golfers for taking part in the tournament. "A field of 55 was commendable indeed, we don't take your participation for granted," he said. The UGI boss also commended BSC, saying it has played a big role in supporting his company. Mbera said UGI has been sponsoring golf for three years and pledged continued support, saying the tournament has helped to raise UGI's profile.

The Nation s Newspaper

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