Uganda Open: Babirye maintains lead as Nakalembe closes in

Irene Nakalembe produced the best score in the second round to close in on day-one leader Martha Babirye as the Castle Lite Uganda Open ladies tournament raged on at the Lake Victoria Serena Golf Resort and Spa on Friday.

Nakalembe returned a two-over-par 74 to cut Babirye's six-stroke lead on day one, to one going into the decisive round of the 54-hole competition.

"It is still a real stiff competition but we thank God we have completed the second round and waiting for day-three. We struggled with the winds but I'm happy with my scores today. I wanted to improve and just did that and I'm happy with my personal score," Nakalembe said.

"I will stick to my game plan though everyone in the top five still has a chance," Nakalembe stated.

Despite dropping five strokes in the second round Babirye still fancies her chances on her home course.

"My game wasn't bad just that I couldn't putt well. I was struggling to play well and got so many bogeys in the process today because I'm also struggling with my sore knee and I couldn't play some shots well, but I still have a big chance to win this tournament," Babirye said.

Tanzania's Angel Eaton is still in the running heading into the final day. Photo by Michael Nsubuga

"This is my home course and I still fancy my chances. I'm not under any pressure because we shall all be playing the same course and I've slowly gained experience on how to manage pressure,"

Three-time champion Tanzania's Angel Eaton is in third place eight strokes off and looks to have surrendered to the Ugandans.

"My golf is there; just the putting was disappointing on some few holes. All in all, I thank God for everything and hopefully tomorrow I will pull up my socks,"

"It is my first time to play at this international course, it is a beautiful course and I love it. The Ugandans have really improved and I'm happy for them but I will try to focus, put my head down and try to catch up tomorrow; 18 holes is still a lot," Eaton said.

Day 2

Martha Babirye (UG) 76; 79 155

Irene Nakalembe (UG) 82; 74 156

Angel Eaton (TZ) 82; 81 163

Hawa Wanyeche (TZ) 83; 84 167

Iddi Madiina (TZ) 90; 79 169

Louise Gitau (KEN) 84; 88 172

Eva Magala (UG) 86; 86 172

Peace Kabasweka (UG) 91; 82 173

Neema Olomi (TZ) 87; 88 175

Elias Vicky (TZ) 88; 89 177