Namakula makes ground as Ladies Open rages on

By Michael Nsubuga                

Day Two top five

Flavia Namakula     76+77   153 gross
Eva Magala               75+78   153
Irene Nakalembe    78+76   154
Tina Nawa                 80+80  160
Loyce Chingono      82+81   163


Flavia Namakula returned five-over-par, 77 to share joint leadership with Eva Magala as the Tusker Malt Lager Uganda Open entered Day Two at the Uganda Golf Club on Friday.

The defending champion got two birdies on the day and despite her score being one stroke worse than her Day One score of 76, she managed to catch up on Day One leader Eva Magala who returned six-over-par, 78.

But despite catching up and sharing joint leadership, Namakula felt she wasn’t yet at her best.

“I don’t why I’m still struggling, my game is still shaky,” Namakula, who got bogeys on holes No.3, 8, 10, 17 and a triple bogey on Hole No.12, admitted after her round.

Meanwhile, Magala whose one stroke lead was cut because of 5 bogeys on holes, 5, 7, 10, 12 and 13, also felt let down by her tee shots.

“My tee shots were wanting and I must solidify them tomorrow [Saturday].”

Third-placed Irene Nakalembe carded the best score of the day (76) but was also still struggling with her putting. Four bogies on the day still have her trailing the leaders by one stroke.

Zambia’s Tina Nawa who is fourth is 7 strokes off while Zimbabwe’s Loyce Chingono in 5th place is ten strokes off the leaders, who have it in their hands going into the last round of the 54-hole competition.

Earlier, a subsidiary event for the men also teed off and will also end Saturday with those who made the cut after Friday’s round.

Irene Nakalembe reacts to her putt on Day Two. (Credit: Michael Nsubuga)

Zimbabwe's Loyce Chingono prepares to putt. (Credit: Michael Nsubuga)

From left, Gloria Mbaguta, Flavia Namakula, Irene Nakalembe and Eva Magala congratulate each other after round two. (Credit: Michael Nsubuga)