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IN POLE POSITION . . . . Zimbabwe Open defending champion Jbe’ Kruger is leading the way after the first round of this year’s edition of the premier golf tournament in the country at Royal Harare

Takudzwa Chitsiga Sports Reporter
DEFENDING champion Jbe’ Kruger led the way again, firing warning shots that he will not give away his title without a fight, as he powered into pole position in the first round of the Golden Pilsener Zimbabwe Open at Royal Harare on a lovely day in the capital yesterday.

The South African golfer was the overnight leader after shooting an eight-under par 64, in perfect conditions, on a course which must now feel like home to him.

“If you had told me I would shoot 64 when I was on the range today I wouldn’t have believed you,” said Kruger.

“This is a place of real miracles for me and you could see it today.

“I know most of the people are rooting for me, which is pretty cool. You can actually sense it, which is amazing. I don’t have expectations, I’m just trying to pull off every shot that I can.

“The putts just went in today and, when that happens, you can really score.

“On these greens specifically, because they are so good, I believe that I just have to hit the green and then I will make the putt. You don’t get that feeling very often and you have to go for it.”

After opening with a par, Kruger went on to drop his only shot of the day.

The bogey seemed to motivate the champion as he followed that with birdies on holes 3, 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9 going to the break on four under-par.

The second nine saw the Serengeti Golf Estate-based golfer opening with a birdie before making pars on holes 11, 12 15, 16, 17 before closing with a birdie.

Brazilian Adilson da Silva, who started his professional career here in Zimbabwe where he spent most of his early days, was two shots off the pace after shooting a six-under-66.

Da Silva was at one time part of Royal Harare where he learnt his golf.

He won the Zimbabwe Amateur Championship in 1992 before going on to compete on the Zimbabwean PGA Tour between 1996 and 2003, winning more than 30 titles, and heading the Zimbabwean Order of Merit on five occasions.

The battle for the biggest prize on the domestic golf scene continues this morning with play scheduled to get underway as early as 6:30 am this morning.

There was a three-way tie for third place as Christian Bassoon, who at one stage was the club-house leader, Juan Carlo Ritchie and Dean Burmester, all carding five-under-par 67.

Stuart Smith and Mark Williams remained in the run as they carded four-under 68 and were in sixth place.

There was a three-way tie featuring Colin Neil, Attie Schwartzel and Jacques Blaauw, in eighth place.