Nkya, Mollel share spotlight at Lina PG Tour final series

DAR ES SALAAM: FADHIL Nkya and Nuru Mollel continued impressive performance in the second round of the Lina Professional Golfers (PG) Tour Pro-Am tournament’s final series on Friday at the Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club (DGC) course.

The tournament, organised by the Said Nkya family in collaboration with the Tanzania Ladies Golf Union (TLGU), the Tanzania Professional Golfers Association (TPGA) and Penda Golf Tanzania, honours Lina Saidi Nkya.

She was a former national team player who passed away on January 19, 2021, in Moshi.

The four-day 72-hole tournament has brought together professional and elite amateur golfers from across Tanzania.

Host and overnight leader Nkya, playing in memory of his late mother, Lina, entered the second round with a narrow one-shot lead after an impressive two-under-par 69 in the opening round.

However, in a highly competitive second round, Nkya carded a two-over 73, sharing the lead with Nuru Mollel from Arusha Gymkhana Club (AGC).

Mollel, who had posted a one-under 70 in the first round, returned a one-over 72 in the second round, bringing both players to a tie at a level-par 142 after two rounds.

This neck-and-neck competition has set the stage for an exciting finish as the tournament heads into the third round.

The rivalry between Nkya and Mollel mirrors their clash in the first series at TPC Moshi Club.

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Both players had co-led with four-under-par 68 after the first round, but Nkya faltered in the second round with a level-par 72, while Mollel surged ahead with a one-under 71. The competition culminated in a tie at seven-under-par 281 after 72 holes, with Mollel ultimately claiming the title in a sudden-death playoff.

Fans are now eagerly waiting to see if history will repeat itself as the event concludes tomorrow.

Isaac Wanyeche of Kili Golf Club remains consistent, sitting at plus 4 (72, 74) to secure a strong second position.

Hassan Kadio (DGC) and Abdallah Yusuph (Lugalo) follow closely at plus 6. Meanwhile, Aidan Nziku of DGC, who opened with an impressive one-under 70, struggled in the second round, carding a disappointing 81 to fall out of title contention.

The elite amateur category has also witnessed dramatic shifts. Lugalo junior Moshi, who led after day one with a 74, was overtaken by TPC Moshi’s Ally Isanzu.

Isanzu, who started three shots off the lead, carded a 73 yesterday, totalling plus 8, two shots ahead of second-placed Enosh Wanyeche (Lugalo) at plus 10. Isiaka Daudi and former leader Moshi sit tied for third at plus 11.