Sri Lanka’s Thangaraja captures golf crown

Ghazala wins ladies’ national championship for the third successive time.

KARACHI: Sri Lanka golfer Thangaraja won the 51st National Amateur Golf Championship with a four-stroke victory on the final day as the four-day action culminated at the Royal Palm Golf and Country Club Golf Course in Lahore.

Thangaraja, who overcame an ordinary start on the second day, continued his brilliant show to secure a card of 72 on the final day. With his performance of two-over-par 74, six-under 68 and one-over 73 in the first three rounds, the Sri Lankan finished with a one-under-par 287 to win the title.

Bangladesh’s Dulal Hossain, suffered by a shaky show in the third round, finished second after a one-over-par 72 in the last round. He compiled a total of one-over-par 289.

Pakistan’s Waseem Rana, after an unimpressive display of 77, accumulated a full card of 294. Bangladesh’s Sajib Ali finished fourth with 296, while local amateur star Ali Hai, who opened the event with a first-round lead, ended up on fifth position with a score of 296. M Rehman and Ashiq Hussain finished on joint sixth spot with 300.

Ghazala retains title for second time

Meanwhile, Ghazala Yasmin of Garrison Club Lahore created history by winning the ladies contest for the third consecutive time. Kashfa Zafar finished second, while Nushmiya Sukera secured third position.

Sri Lanka golfers also clinched the International Team match as well as the individual men’s event. However, the hosts won the JR Jaywardene Trophy, while Punjab claimed the Inter-Association team title.

Published in The Express Tribune, April 16^th, 2012.