Akope wins mbarara open

Deo Akope 77+72+66 215
Abbey Bagalana 80+74+66 220
Fred Wanzala 77+72+73 222
Brian Toolit 76+77+70 223
Lawrence Muhenda 80+73+223
Silver Opio 81+74+72 227
Brian Mwesigwa74+77+76 227
Peter Ssendawula 6+77+74 227
Gerald Kabuye 7 9+76+74 229
Ian Odokonyero 80+74+76 230
Opio Onito 77+72+82 231

Deo Akope's cautious approach proved decisive as he grabbed the biggest share of the sh15m prize money for the Mbarara Open at Mbarara Sports Club on Friday.

The money staked by China Railway Seventh Group is the second largest prize kitty for a local tournament with the Uganda Open being the largest which offers sh100m.

Akope shot a closing four-under-par-66 to beat 11 other professionals who had made the cut to play in the desicive round to the top prize in the 54-hole contest.

Despite returning 66 gross like Akope on the last day of the competition, Abbey Bagalana paid the price for starting poorly, finishing five strokes off in second place.

"I was just patient and cautious in every shot I took because the course is tight, so I kept the ball in play all the time," Akope said.

"But I dedicate this to my wife who earlier advised me to aim at returning 69 or 70 in the last round and that I would win; so instead I gave her a bonus,so I actually dedicate this win to her,"

"She has been very supportive in my career; even when my game is down she keeps on encouraging me to believe in myself and let God take control," Akope stated.

Last year's winner Fred Wanzala who was in second place after day-one slipped to third with Brian Toolit and Lawrence Muhenda finishing fourth and fifth respectively.

The proffesionals just like the amateurs who play today encountered a dry course following the dry spell that the country is facing.

The event is co-sponsored by Castle Lite, Pepsi, Johnnie Walker Platinum and Club Vegas.