Golfer Lee eyes top spot

Fijian golfer Sam Lee has set his sight on winning today’s 48th Cardo’s Fiji Men’s Open Golf Championship at the Denarau Golf and Racquet Club in Nadi.

He shot 68, 65 (133) to level with Oscar Cadenhead of New Zealand who managed (69, 64) on rounds one and two respectively.

Lee wishes to be the first Fijian to win the silverware since local pro Salesh Chand in 2002.

“I know for many years a local player has not won the Fiji Open,” Lee said.

“I have had that in mind for the last few years and will try my best for the trophy to stay home.

“I played well over the last two days, made a couple of mistakes on each day. I felt a bit nervous on the first day but managed to finish well on day one.

“Today I played better and putted better. I will focus on a game plan for tomorrow and see how that goes.”

Josh Mumn is in second spot (67, 68) 135, with 2017 winner Kieran Muir (70, 66) 136 on third spot. Hayden Beard (66, 71) 137 is in fourth spot. The inaugural Air New Zealand Fiji Open was staged at the Vatuwaqa Golf Course in Suva on November 14-15, 1970. Mukesh Chand became the first Fijian to win the title in 1998. Australian born Marika Batibasaga won the event back-to-back in 2005 to 2006. The event is sponsored by Fiji Water, The Westin, BTS, Blueridge Holdings, Tourism Fiji, Sheraton, Vuksich and Borich, Tappoo, DGRC, Coastal Rental and PGA Australia.