Ntare boy wins Kim's open

By William Muwonge in Mbarara GABRIEL Muhwezi overcame a spirited challenge yesterday to win the Kim's Open, his third major title since taking up the game in 1997. The 16-year old, playing off handicap 16, carded 138 nett to triumph at the par-70 Mbarara Sports Club course. Playing on the home course, Muhwezi, winner of the Nile Bank Open over the last two years, fired 68 yesterday having brought 70 after the first 18. "I feel great, I owe this victory to my father Echima Mutakooha who brought me to the game," an ecstatic Muhwezi said. The Ntare school student, who sunk a birdie on number 16, won in the face of a tricky situation. Muhwezi, like other golfers, had to show the best of his skills on a dry and fast course, a condition caused by long dry spell here. The players also had to contend with sweltering temperatures. Kampala-based Kim's Medical Centre and its sister companies sponsored the event. Day one leader Peter Rukindo (h/c 15) carded 138 just like Muhwezi but settled for one of the group awards. The Tooro club player dropped four strokes for 71 yesterday having played 67 on the Saturday. Benson Sunday at 139 and R. Kasozi at 140 were the other leading performers. Kampala's Jolly Karemera won the ladies title at 148. Mbarara's Joan Kyatuka came second at 154, one stroke better than Jennifer Kobusingye from Tooro Club. Ends