Opio Onito edges Akope in playoff

By Douglas Mazune

Barclays Golf Series Pro event

Emma Onito 70 73 143

Deo Akope 72 71 143

Herman Mutaawe 73 74 147

Jean Baptist 77 71 148

Fred Wanzala 77 72 149

Saidi Mawa 76 74 150

Denis Anguyo 74 77 151

George Olayo 76 75 151

Brian Toolit 75 76 151

Vincent Byamukama 75 76 151

Silver Opio 78 73 151

EMMA Opio pulled off his most exciting victory since turning professional when he edged out Deo Akope in a sudden death playoff at the Barclays Golf Series at Uganda Golf Club on Thursday.

Akope who was two strokes behind Opio after the opening round tied the overall score at 143 in the second round to force a playoff.

The playoff watched by a sizeable crowd on holes 12, 17 and 18 failed to break the deadlock. The duo went back to hole 12 on which Opio had par while Akope shot a bogey to lose out.

Akope though was gracious in defeat.

“It was exciting with a very big crowd watching. Congratulations to Opio,” MTN sponsored Akope stated in a strong show of sportsmanship.

Herman Mutaawe finished third four shots behind the leaders while Rwandan Jean Baptist was one stroke further down the leader board.

Fred Wanzala (149) and Saidi Mawa were fifth and sixth respectively while Denis Anguyo, George Olayo, Brian Toolit, Vincent Byamukama and Silver Opio tied in seventh place.

The main event of the Barclays Bank sponsored tournament that will feature over 150 amateur golfers will tee off on Friday.