Not even the rains could stop Karanga from lifting coveted title

Kiambu Open winner Michael Karanga. [Mose Sammy, Standard]

Michael Karanga vanquished Naomi Wafula to reclaim the third Kiambu Open title during a tension-filled final round at the weekend.

Karanga dominated the final day after the second round was washed out by heavy storms.

Karanga was charged by his day one lead after winding up at 5-under-par (139).

Wafula fumbled in the opening round to close at 77 with a final day 3-over-par (147) that saw her grip on the title slip away.

After securing the win at a course he knows so well, this was a convincing win with a legion of home course fans in tow as they cheered him on.

He currently occupies the Kenya Amateur Golf Championship (KAGC) pedestal position with 776.0 points and pocketed a cool purse of Sh115,600.

Kenya Railway Golf Club’s John Lejirma was second with 646.0 points.

“Heading out to the course, this is what I was yearning for,” Karanga said. “I’ve finally brought it back home where it belongs and it won’t leave soon.”

“Now watch out as we hit the home stretch as we seek the Kenya one position, it’s going to be tough.”

Naomi, the defending champion had a bad day in office where she suffered a couple of three-putts when she needed eagles or birdies to ensure she retained the title she won last year.

Kenya Golf Union (KGU) chairman David Ndugu lauded the field which included seven foreign players who played in the rains on the opening round.

“As a union, we are witnessing a great improvement in the golf that is being exhibited on the course in our events,” said Ndungu.

“The improvement has seen a rise in the number of Kenyans who’ve been enlisted in the World Amateur Golf Rankings (Wagr) from 14 at the beginning of the year to 25. More are set to join the prestigious list.”

The action now shifts to Royal Nairobi Golf Club for Uhuru Shield before heading to the Coast for the year-ender.