UGANDA LADIES OPEN: Samia hails Wanyeche’s triumph

DAR ES SALAAM: PRESIDENT Samia Suluhu Hassan has congratulated Hawa Wanyeche of Lugalo Golf Club after she won the Uganda Ladies Open, describing the victory as a source of national pride.

In a message posted on her Instagram account, President Samia said Wanyeche’s success showed that Tanzanian golfers can compete and win on the international stage.

“This victory is a great pride for our Nation and shows the ability of our players to perform well in international competitions,” she wrote.

The President also said the Government would continue to support sport by creating better conditions for athletes and helping them compete successfully in international events.

Wanyeche sealed the title after completing the 54-hole tournament on 228 strokes, with rounds of 77, 77 and 74. Her final-round 74 was two over par and enough to give her a onestroke victory over Peace Kabasweka and Keisha Kagoro, who tied for second on 229.

The tournament attracted golfers from Ghana, Japan, Kenya, Nigeria, Rwanda, Tanzania and Uganda. Wanyeche thanked Tanzanians for their support after her victory and dedicated the trophy to the country.

“I am very grateful to Tanzanians, especially the team I came with. Thank you very much also to Uganda, to the audience and for all the support following along.” She said the large crowd created pressure during the final round but that she and her team managed to overcome it.

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“It was a huge crowd that brought a lot of pressure, but we succeeded, and the trophy is going to Tanzania. Tanzanians, receive the trophy!” Wanyeche also thanked supporters who followed the tournament on social media. “Finally, we have taken it and are bringing it back home. The trophy is ours.

Thank you so much for your support.” Wanyeche’s victory was the standout result for Tanzania, with several other players also completing the three-round tournament. Neema Olomi finished fourth on 235 strokes, while Judith Komugisha was fifth on 236.

Harsshitha Loganathan finished on 243, Vicky Elias on 244 and Joan Nampeewo on 245. Sylvie Irakoze, Assa Nambogwe and Martha Babirye all finished on 246.

Other Tanzanian players also completed the tournament, giving the country a strong presence in the field. But it was Wanyeche who took the biggest prize, holding her nerve in the final round to claim the Uganda Ladies Open title and bring the trophy back to Tanzania.