Cairns maintains ZPGA Champs lead

RYAN Cairns consolidated his early lead at the ongoing Zimbabwe Professional Golfers Association Championship, presented by Universal Sports Club, after following up his opening round of four-under-par 68 with a three under-69 at Royal Harare yesterday.

Cairns, a multiple Sunshine Tour winner, is still leading on seven-under 137 in the US$10 000 purse tournament which will see the winner walking home US$1 485 richer.

The Royal Harare-based professional said he is now looking forward to today’s final round. “Very happy I have not played in the ZPGA Championship for a long time and we are glad that it is here once again. I have been training hard playing in the Big Easy Tour and I look forward to do well during the final day.

“I am very happy with the way I played today (yesterday). I am now looking forward to the last round and I hope we will enjoy the same playing favourable conditions,” said Cairns.

Robson Saurombe and Bradley Kulaisi shot three-under-69 to complement their opening round of one-under 71 to remain tied on second place.

The Zimbabwe Professional Golfers Association Championship, presented by Universal Sports Club, also saw Never Milanzi remaining in contention with an impressive second round of two-under to take his overall score to four-under-par.

The ZPGA flagship tournament has been missing on the local golf calendar for several years due to lack of sponsorship but, finally, it made a welcome return, having received a generous sponsorship from Universal Sports Club and its members.

Universal Sports Club’s press and liaison officer Akil Yousuf said he is happy that the rains gave them an opportunity to play during the opening two rounds and remains hopeful they will have the same conditions in the final round today.