KARACHI: Hamza Shikoh seized the initiative on the opening day of the Sindh Amateur Golf Championship, grabbing a one-stroke lead at the Karachi Golf Club on Friday.

Hamza returned a card of 71 — the only under-par score of the day — to grab top spot ahead of Arsalan Shikoh Khan (72).

Beyond the top two were Mohammad Ahmed Mannan and Saim Shazli, who both shot a 75. A shot further adrift are Col. Habib ur Rehman and retired Lt Cdr. Saeed.

Saad Habib and Omar Bayat had rounds of 78 and they are a stroke ahead of Omar Shikoh Khan and Yashal Shah.

Danyal Khan and Hamza Ghani returned to the clubhouse with rounds of 80 while it was a disappointing day for national amateur champion Omar Khalid who could only manage an 83 and will now have to play catch-up in the last two rounds.

The juniors under-14 contest concluded on Saturday with Shahvaiz Abbas coming out on top of a four-strong field in a one-round match with a score of 87. Hamza Satti ended second with 88.

Abiha Hanim Syed grabbed the lead in the two-round ladies match with an 82 on Friday. A shot behind her are Aania Farooq and Daniya Syed.

Maj. Rizwan Farooq leads the veterans’ competition — which sees 18 holes played over two days.

Rizwan shot a 39 over the first nine holes and is three shots ahead of Rehan Mirza and four ahead of retired Gp Capt. Aftab A. Khan.

The seniors’ contest tees off on Saturday and will be held over 36 holes over two days.

Published in Dawn, February 27th, 2021