In the 40th Punjab Open Golf Championship moved into the final phase at the PAF Skyview Golf Course in Lahore. With 36 holes gone and only 18 holes combat left, the highly elevated and revered golf professional of Pakistan, Shabbir Iqbal is again in a position to domineer his adversaries including M. Tariq of Islamabad who shares the top slot on the leaderboard with him.
As the championship stands right now on the fringe of conclusion, Shabbir Iqbal from Islamabad is in the lead with two rounds of 69 and 68 and an aggregate total of gross 137, seven under par. His professional comrade, M. Tariq is also placed at the illustrious score of gross 137 and his two rounds scores were 66 and 71 and that makes the battle even with M. Tariq looking energized and seeking acclamation in the final round on Sunday.
In the second round yesterday at the PAF Skyview Golf Course, Shabbir Iqbal remained constant, steady and relied on his short game capabilities. He managed a forceful round of gross 68 through precise play. As for M. Tariq he could not repeat his excellence of the first day but played well enough to stay in a leading position.
Other competitors strongly placed are assertive and authoritative champions like M. Matloob and the juvenile Ahmed Baig. Matlloob is at a two days gross score of 138 and Ahmed Baig is also at 138. By virtue of this the golfing encounter is all laid out for an agitation loaded hostility. Since all four enjoy a comprehensive understanding of technique and artistry, the winners margin will not be overwhelming.
Other professionals who played admirably well are M.Shahzad (Garrison), Taimoor Khan (Peshawar), Adil Jehangir (PAF Skyview) and Akbar Mehroz (Gymkhana). They are all bunched together at a majestic score of 139, five under par. At 141 are Abdul Zahoor, Shahid Javed Khan and Ansar Mehmood. These professionals have put in a sterling display of quality golf.
In the Amateur category the leader is Mohsin Zafar (Gymkhana) at a score of 139, followed by Hussain Hamid of Royal Palm at 149. Noman Asghar and Damil Ataullah are at 150.
On Sunday, 17th October the finals of the Championship will be held with prize distribution being held at 4 pm.
