Matloob bags CNS golf crown in Karachi
Pakistan Times Sports Desk

KARACHI: Despite playing only a par-final round of 72, Matloob Ahmed of Pakistan Railways comfortably clinched the Chief of Naval Staff Golf Championship crown with a five stroke lead at Karachi Golf Club Sunday.

But Matloob’s stunning performance on the first and third day when he fired five-under-par which eventually helped him to take the Rs 750,000 Championship.

Skilfull and consistent Matloob, who had been appearing on the Asian Professionals circuit, scored the rounds of 67, 71, 67 and 72 to finish with an aggregate of 277.

The pack of golfers faced a lot of problem in a very strong wind and partially cloudy conditions. Matloob faced no real threat on the final day, winning by clear five stroke from his closest rival Muhammad Munir of Islamabad Golf Club.

25-year-old Matloob, finished runner-up in the championship last year, showed his class by finishing on the top of ladder in the field 69 golfers. Muhammad Munir was not impressive on the last day in 72- holes contest, playing two-over-par 74 to end with an aggregate 282.

“We have never played in such a strong wind conditions and that of reason of our not coming up with good scores on the final day” winner Matloob Ahmed and Munir commented.

Nadeem Inayat of KGC played the best third round with three- under-par 69 to secure third spot with 285 and defending champion Muhammad Shabbir Iqbal of Pakistan Navy was contended with fourth position after having played a superb six-under-par 66 on the first day. Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Shahid Karimullah was the Chief Guest at the prize distribution ceremony and presented the glittering trophy and cash prize of Rs 130,125 to Matloob Ahmed while Muhammad Munir collected runner-up trophy and cash prize of Rs 88,500.

Nadeem Inayat got Rs 52,050 for securing position and Shabbir Iqbal was contended with Rs 42,000 for his fourth spot. The Rs 750,000 was distributed among the top thirty golfers of the professional event.

Admiral Shahid Karimullah, who is also Patron-in-chief of the KGC said utmost steps would be taken to promote and patronize the golf and golfers. He complimented the management of the club for keeping the club fairways and greens in good shape despite drought condition in the city.

Waseem Rana won the gross event with 312, carding 78 in the final round and Adil Jahangir scored 78 in fourth round to collect the score of 317 and a stroke behind at 318 was Ayaz Gul.

Young Hamza Ansari took the net event with 291 and Ayaz Gul was second with 294. Leader board after final round.

Professionals: 277-Matloob Ahmed, 282-M.Munir, 285-Nadeem Inayat, 290-M. Shabbir Iqbal, 294-Javed Inayat, Abbas Ali, 295-Waheed Baloch, Imdad Hussain, 296-Afsar Ali, M Sidduque, 297-Amjad Yousuf, Yasayaa Habib, Sajjad Khan.

Amateurs (Gross): 312-Waseem Rana, 317-Adil Jahangir, 318-Ayaz Gul, 323-M Safdar, 325-Omair Javed, 327-Hamza Haroon, 329-Capt Zafar Mamhmood, 331-Cdr Ansar Mahmood.●