By Douglas Mazune and Reuben Olita

Uganda Professional Golfers Association (UPGA) captain Deo Akope could break the Barclays Kenya Open jinx after a promising opening round at Karen Club in Nairobi Thursday.

By press time MTN sponsored Akope (right), who has fallen short of making the cut in three attempts, shot three over par 74 to share 98th position with 13 other competitors in the four-day event where Ksh195,000 will be won in cash prizes.

About 34 competitors, including Ugandan Herman Mutaawe were still playing, which could affect positions on the leader-board.

Akope goes for the second round today aiming to penetrate the top 60 in a bid to avoid being cut off at the halfway mark.
 
The European Challenge Tour tournament has attracted 156 golfers from Europe, America, Asia and Africa.

Austrian Bacher H.B was still in the lead with 66 while Tom Murray from England, Raymond Russel from Scotland and Spanish Adrian Otaegui shared second spot