LAHORE: Wazir Ali and Raza Khan of Lahore Gymkhana emerged as joint front-runners at the end of the second round of 34th Millat Tractors Governors Cup Golf Championship at the Lahore Gymkhana Golf Course on Saturday.

On the second day, the opening day leaders Hamza Asif, Ammad Naeem and Hussain Hamid showed nerves and could not display the fluency and flair of the first round.

Hussain Hamid slipped to 7th position, Hamza to 8th position and Ammad to 9th at the end of the second day. Out of the four leaders of the first round, Raza Khan is the only one who survived with a second round score of net 71.

His aggregate net score for the two rounds is 138, net six under par retaining his position on top of the prestige loaded leader board. Raza shares top position with the established Wazir who plays left handed and was in his elements in the second round.

Both Wazir and Raza feel threatened by the presence of Ahmed Zafar Hayat of Gymkhana at a net aggregate score of 139 and the stroke advantage is just one. And Ahmed is a four handicapper capable of good golfing scores and performance and edging past his competitors.

In the second round, Ahmed carded a round of net 68 and his overall aggregate for two rounds adds up to 139 and he becomes a strong contender for the title.

At a score of net 140 are three contenders. Ahmed Nawaz Tiwana (Defence Raya) is one and the two others are Umar Khawaja (Sialkot) and Dr Abdul Hamid Awan (Gymkhana). Others in line are Hussain Hamid (Royal Palm), Hamza Asif (Gymkhana) and Ammad Nadim. These three are bracketed at a score of net 141.

In the race for honors amongst ladies, Zahida Durrani and Sameea Javed appeared as leaders. Also bracketed together at the second slot are three ladies, Rimsha Ijaz, Suneyah Osama and Ayesha Moazzam. Three more with good performances are Parkha Ijaz, Shahzadi Gulfam and Ayesha Hamid. Ladies will play the final round on Sunday.

Published in Dawn, October 29th, 2017