Pakistan Open Championship: Munir replaces Ahmed atop leaderboard

Islamabad-based golfer shoots three-under-par 69 on day three

KARACHI: Veteran golfer Muhammad Munir of the Islamabad Golf Club finished day three of the 43rd Pakistan Open Golf Championship at three-under-par 69 to climb atop the leaderboard at the Airmen Golf Course in Karachi on Saturday.

The third round witnessed thrilling twists and turns as Matloob Ahmed, the overnight leader, yielded his place to Munir, who struck five birdies and two bogies to bring up his three-day aggregate to eight-under-par 208.

“My efforts were fruitful today and with every passing shot, I feel more and more in control,” Munir told The Express Tribune. “The greens are excellent and that makes putting a joyful experience. My strategy in the final round will be to avoid any rash shot.”

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Meanwhile, Ahmed trails Munir by two strokes at six-under-par 210 and Hamza Amin — third on the previous day — played a lacklustre round to drop to eighth spot at one-over-par 217.

Ahmed remains unperturbed despite losing his lead. “In a top competition like this, there are moments when you face disappointment, but what keeps you driving is the determination to win,” he said.

In the senior professionals’ category, Ghani Rehman is leading the first round with two-under-par 70 followed by Muhammad Iqbal and Imdad Hussain on par score of 72.

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On the other hand, Azhar Aslam and Junaid Khan are leading the junior professionals with seven-over-par 79 each followed by Kamal Khan and Zeeshan Khan on eight-over-par 80.

Published in The Express Tribune, November 22^nd, 2015.

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