Golf: Zambian Madalisto on top as Ugandans hang in there

Defending champion Madalisto Muthiya shot a third round one-over-par 73 to surge into the lead of the Tusker Malt Lager Uganda Professionals Open at Kitante on Friday.

The Zambian and Sunshine Tour player hit four birdies on holes; 1, 6, 8 and 14 to take joint leadership with Kenya Kopan Timbe who continued to improve moving from fifth position on day-two.

But the Kenyan is going through a lot of emotions as he completes his rounds, having lost his dad the day he stepped in Uganda for the open on Monday.

Kenya's Stefan Andersen lost his day-two leadership on the third day of the Professionals' Open

 
"People at home are waiting for me for the burial, so it has not been easy but I will keep calm and see what happens," Timbe who hit birdies three birdies on holes; 4, 5 and 8 said.

After taking the lead from Kenyan Stefan Andersen, Muthiya is planning to maintain his composure, play well and win again.

"It was a bit rough today; but it is tough out there, the course is tough but I gave away a few putts, but I'm hoping for the best," Muthiya remarked.

Zambia's Madalisto Muthiya chips from a bunker on day-three

 
Uganda's best player to-date, Saidi Mawa returned four-over-par 76 and is two strokes behind the leaders in fourth place and a stroke behind Kenyan Stefan Andersen who slipped to third.

"I'm not worried and not under any pressure. Those two strokes are recoverable, but my putting let me down today," Mawa who birdied holes 3 and 5 noted.

Three other Ugandans; Phillip Kasozi, Vincent Byamukama and Fred Wanzala are still among the top ten together with Kenya's David Odhiambo and David Opati going into the final round of the annual event on Saturday.

South Africa's Joshua Seale is third going into the final round of the Professionals' Open

 
Four-time champion Dismas Indiza and day-one leader Simon Ngige are closely following, six strokes behind the leading pack.

Rwanda's Ernest Ndayisenga, Kenya's Anil Shah and Uganda's Deo Akope are also gunning to finish in the top positions, seven and eight strokes behind respectively.

Despite losing his father before the tournament, Kenya's Kopan Timbe is joint top with the defending champion.

 
The brand new sh202m Chevrolet Trailblazer that awaits a player who will achieve the rare feat of a hole-in-one shot is still up for grabs for the field that has been joined by golfers competing in the subsidiary competition and the seniors.

Apart from the cash, the overall winner of the pros event will enjoy an all-expense paid trip to Abu Dhabi courtesy of Etihad Airways.

 

Vincent Byamukama tees off on day-three of the Professionals' Open at Kitante

 
Top 10 after day 3

Madalisto Muthiya (ZAM) 73; 70; 73 216

Kopan Timbe (Kenya)         73; 72; 71 216

Joshua Seale (SA)               72; 72; 73 217

Saidi Mawa (Uganda)         70; 72; 76 218

Kenya's Simon Ngige lost grip of his day-one leadership and is now 11th overall going into the last round.

 
Stefan Andersen (Kenya)    75; 66; 77 218

David Odhiambo (Kenya)    72; 76; 71 219

Phillip Kasozi (Uganda)       76; 70; 70 220

Vincent Byamukama (UG)   70; 74; 77 221

David Opati (Kenya)            72; 77; 72 221

Fred Wanzala (Uganda)       74; 73; 74 221