Stage set for championship

GM Motors sponsored 52nd Fiji Golf Open Championship is set to begin at the Denarau Golf & Racquet Club (DGRC) from tomorrow and will finish on Sunday.

The event hosted by Golf Fiji and Fiji PGA would be played both in the men’s and women’s divisions and has attracted over 170 participants from both Fiji and overseas with around 80 participants from overseas.

Fiji Professional Golfer’s Association (PGA) treasurer and Denarau Golf and Racquet Club manager Amitesh Chandra said the professionals would compete for $25,000 prize money with the main winner walking away with $4500. The amateurs men and women would play for $10,000 in cash and in kind prizes.

“Defending champion Sam Lee would not be present to defend his title as he has moved back to Korea.

“Tomasi Tuivuna is favourite to win the event considering his recent form plus he is also currently leading the Fiji PGA OOM after four events,” he said.

Chandra added that Roneel Prakash, Anansa Seruvatu and Zoheer Ahmed should provide stiff competition to Tuivuna for top honours and $4500 winners prize purse.

“Sangam Sadhu Kuppuswamy Memorial College (SSKMC) student Bella Cho is favourite to win the ladies division, however, should face stiff competition from Swami Vivekananda College (SVC) head girl Raina Kumar.

“Abid Hussein is top favorite in the amateur category but would face stiff competition from New Zealand-based Anuresh Chandra, Praveer Chand and Shakil Pillay.”

He said the event registration would be held today at the DGRC followed by the opening cocktail ceremony tonight at the DGRC lawn from 6.30pm-8pm.

The supporting sponsors for the event are BSP Bank, Vodafone, Coca-Cola Fiji, Higgins, Fiji Water, Carts and Cars, Bula Birdie, Rooster Chicken, and Paradise Beverages.

“We are very thankful to all the sponsors and are overwhelmed by the support the event has received so far.”