NCBA Junior Open
Brandon Moyo

BRITNEY Nyanchera put on her lucky cap on Sunday as she celebrated her birthday in style, by winning the girls’ overall title at the third edition of the NCBA Coast Junior Open at Mombasa Golf Club in Kenya.
The Windsor Golf and Hotel Club junior finished on an overall gross 268 following round scores of 91, 88 and 89 to make it a double celebration. Speaking after securing the girls’ title, Nyanchera said she was pleased that she managed to defy challenging weather conditions and gave credit to her mother and coach for having faith in her. “The experience was good; the competition was somehow tough because of the weather. However, I feel really good to have won. I’m grateful for the support from my mom and coach for believing in me,” said Nyanchera. It was a relief for her mother, Maggie Nyabate, to see her child reap the rewards of hard work. “I have been walking with her through this journey, and it feels great to see her winning in competition. She started playing when she was eight years old, and I’m proud to see the growth,” said Nyabate. Meanwhile, a consistent performance saw Royal Nairobi Golf Club’s Mwathi Gicheru (+15) win the overall (boys’) championship. Gicheru was four strokes ahead of second placed Mitansh Thacker (+19) and seven ahead of third placed Yuvraj Rajput (+22). Gicheru carded round scores of 75, 76 and 77 with a gross of 228 to be crowned champion.
Kevin Anyien (+36) of Golf Park, took home the boys 19-21 age group accolade, edging Aaron Mutisya (+83). In the girls’ 16-21 years division, Grace Makasi (+84), narrowly edging Rasmeet Kaur (+87). Sigona Golf Club’s Hetansh Shah (+34) edged Gicheru Kimani (+36) from Royal Nairobi Golf Club in the boys’ 16-18 years category. The boys’ 14-15 Years title was hotly contested, with Thacker (+19) beating Rajput (+22). In the girls’ Under-15 event, Brianna Ngecu Simone (+57) claimed victory with Randy Turi (+77) coming in at number two. Nawenxuan Li (+69) took home the Under-13 boys’ title with Hakeem Mutungi (85) finishing as the runner-up. The tournament drew 45 junior players.