Akope, Gaita share lead after second round of MTN Pro Tees tournament
Akope, an Entebbe native who was tied for third with Abraham Ainamani after both shot 68 in the opening round, recorded five birdies in the second round to join Rodell Gaita at the top of the leaderboard.
Deo Akope's 69 in the second round sent him joint top. Photo by Michael Nsubuga
Deo Akope carded a 2-under 69 in the second round to share the top spot on the leaderboard with Rodell Gaita at the second MTN Pro Tees tournament at Entebbe Club on Wednesday.
Akope, an Entebbe native who was tied for third with Abraham Ainamani after both shot 68 in the opening round, recorded five birdies in the second round to join Rodell Gaita at the top of the leaderboard.
Gaita had also shared the lead with Ronald Otile after the first round.
Akope delivered a strong performance, marred only by a double bogey on the par-4 fourth hole, as the cut for the top 16 and ties was implemented. He advanced in the sh20 million prize event along with 17 other golfers who finished 7-over or better in the 72-hole, four-round competition.
After finishing 13th in the inaugural edition in June, Akope opened with a birdie on the par-3 second hole, then double-bogeyed the fourth to complete the front nine at 1-over. Additional birdies on the par-5 11th and 18th holes allowed him to finish one stroke ahead of Gaita, who shot 70.
Gaita, who has a strong record at Entebbe, carded four birdies on holes 1, 5, 8, and 11. Bogeys on holes 2, 10, and 11 slowed his progress, but he remains a leading contender. Leg One winner Abraham Ainamani is just one stroke behind the joint leaders.
Irene Nakalembe delivered the best round of the day with a 5-under 67, moving into fourth place, four strokes behind the leaders heading into the third round. Grace Kasango, who won the Pearl of Africa Golf event at the same course in April, is five strokes back. The series is exclusive to professional golfers and features a rigorous, international-standard format that rewards consistency, excellence, and long-term performance.
Round 2: Top ten & ties
Deo Akope 68 69 137
Rodell Gaita 67 70 137
Abrahan Ainamani 68 70 138
Irene Nakalembe 74 67 141
Ronald Rugumayo 70 71 141
Grace Kasango 72 70 142
Emma Ogwang 74 69 143
Davis Kato 73 70 143
Silver Opio 76 68 144
David Kamulindwa 74 70 144
Herman Mutaawe 71 72 144