DRAMATIC START FOR TOURNAMENT FAVORITE OLAPADE AS TORGAH LEADS AFTER ROUND ONE 

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Vincent Torgah surged into a one -shot lead after what could be described as a "dramatic" first round at the at the 4th Portharcourt Classic, as defending champion Sunday Olapade had a day to forget.

 

The number one player on the African Tour Oder of Merit recorded a two-under 68 – the best score for the day at the first round of the event. Torgah who made four birdies on the first nine had three bogeys to finish 35 (one under par) on the front nine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

He had an amazing back nine to thank for his advantage, having been one-under par at the turn before going two-under over the last nine holes to end the Thursday's opening round at  the Portharcourt Club Golf course on two (2) under for the day.

 

Torgah, who is seeking a fourth African Tour title of the season, said: "Crazy game, isn't it? I played very badly on the front nine where I didn't feel good in my swing. 

 

"I just tried to keep focused on what I'm doing and I found my rhythm in the back nine so I'm happy."

 

Gift Willy , who claimed his maiden title of the season with a Cameroon Open Championship triumph last weekend, is solo second and one stroke off the lead at one-under par. 

 

"I played well today and I'm confident tomorrow will be brighter" a confident Willy said in an interview with the African Tour.

 

The third, fourth and fifth positions on the leaderboard are occupied by Kingsley Oparaku, Mike Ubi and Emos Koblarh with each of the players carding level par (70), one over (71) and two over (72) par respectively.

 

While defending champion and tournament favorite Sunday Olapade who is also the winner of the 62nd Asantehene Golf Championship in Ghana over the weekend, struggled with a first round 79 that dropped him to 24th place after 18 holes.

 

"Golf can be funny at times you know! there are up's and downs in this game, but I'm confident I will come back into the top spot at the end of the tournament" Olapade said.

 

Join us live tomorrow as the second round promises to be thrilling exciting.