LAHORE: The three-days trials to select a three-member boys team for the Nick Faldo Golf Championship in Vietnam began at the Rumanza Golf Course at DHA Multan on Friday.

Concurrently, trials also began for selection of two female players to represent the country in the same event, which is likely to be held in March.

For boys there are three age categories -- 21 years and under, under-18 and under-16. For girls the age categories include under 21 years and under-16.

At the end of the first day, the two players who stood out overall irrespective of the age category is (under-21) Syed Yashal Shah of the Garrison Golf Club and Parkha Ijaz of Defence Raya. Yashal carded a gross score of 71, one under par and Parkha also came up with an impressive gross 72.

Parkha dominated during the 18 holes resulting in a round of gross 72. She is followed by Humna Amjad who trails her by four strokes.

In under-21, Yashal enjoys a three-stroke lead over Damil Ataullah and four strokes over Omar Khalid Hussain.

In the 16-18 years section, Saad Habib Malik (gross 72) of Rumanza Golf Club. Two strokes behind him is Irtiza Hussain (74) of Margalla Greens. He is followed by Laraib-ur-Rehman (770 of Peshawar.

Shameer Majid leads in 12-16 years category with first-round score of gross 75. Following him are Ahmed Ibrahim (78), Mohammad Haseeb (79) and Abbas Niazi (79).

In the girls 12-16 years section Amina Tiwana (79) of Royal Palm leads. Bushra Fatima of Lahore Garrison is one stroke behind her.

Published in Dawn, January 28th, 2023