By SANDRA MWILA At Lusaka Golf Club –
ZAMBIAN golfer Madalitso Muthiya yesterday had an improved performance at the Zanaco Masters, firing a one-under-par 71 as the competition goes into its final stretch today.
Muthiya’s performance meant the local golfer had a three-round total of one-under-par 215 to give hope to the Zambian fans of seeing their own finishing in top-10 after today’s closing round.
This was a much improved performance from the top ranked Zambian golfer who on Day-Two posted a disappointing three-over-par 75, which obliterated his opening round of three-under.
In yesterday’s round, Muthiya carded four birdies on hole two, seven, 12 and 14 but dropped a shot each on the 13th, 15th and 16th in a dreadful back-nine showing.
For the other Zambian left in the game in the form of Dayne Moore, it was a sad story for the Ndola golfer as he scored a shocking seven-over-79 just yesterday for a three round total of nine-over-par 225.
Moore’s performance was disappointing especially that he came from shooting a one-under-par 71 on Day-Two to make the cut by the skin of his teeth.
He is now at the base of the leaderboard.
On the other end of the ladder, South African Alex Haindl maintained lead by adding two more shots to his nine-under-par on Day-Two to go 11-under.
Haindl now holds a one-shot lead over three players including fellow South Africa Jaco Ahlers.
Yesterday he came off with a two-under-par 70 to come to a three-day total of 11-under-par 205 after three rounds and in firm position to bag the top prize.
Haindl sunk two birdie and two bogeys on the front nine but played par on all holes on the back nine save for the eagle on the 15th hole.
He said in an interview that he was excited with his third round show despite it being less than his second round performance and added he will focus on playing well in the final round today to pick the top prize.
“I played well but not as good as yesterday (Friday). I just want to focus going into the final round and perhaps play better. Anything can happen on this course,” he said.
Haindl faces tough competition for the top spot from Ahlers and compatriot JJ Senekal as well as Portuguese Stephen Ferreira who are on 10-under-par 206.
Ahlers fired a two-under-par 69 in the third round coming with the help of five birdies and three bogeys.
Senekal carded two-under-par 70, just like Ferreira.