Habineza leads by one shot

Rwanda’s Celestin Habineza carded a second round one-over 73 to take a one-shot lead at the halfway mark of the rain-affected BRD-Rwanda Open, as defending champions and pre-favourite tournament Jules Mutesa came second on Thursday.

Thursday, March 21, 2013
Celestin Habineza leads the Rwanda Open at the halfway mark. The New Times / File.

Second round leaderboard:*Celestin Habineza     147*Jules Mutesa     148*Willy Kitaka     148 (Uga)*Emmanuel Habineza     151Professionals*Emmanuel Ruterana     139*JB Hakizimana    139*Silver Opio     147 (Uga)Rwanda’s Celestin Habineza carded a second round one-over 73 to take a one-shot lead at the halfway mark of the rain-affected BRD-Rwanda Open, as defending champions and pre-favourite tournament Jules Mutesa came second on Thursday.Habineza, who was tied for the first round lead after scoring two-over-par 74 with Uganda’s Willy Kitaka, on Wednesday, leads the 26-strong field by a total of 147. Title holder Mutesa scored 73 in the second day to move into joint second with Kitaka, who had the day’s best round of level-par 72. Another Rwanda, Emmanuel Habineza moved up the leaderboard after scoring a three-over-par 75 to add to his first round score of 78 to move into fourth place with a total of 151.Rwanda’s Emmanuel Ruterana still holds the lead over compatriot Jean Baptist Hakizimana in the professional category going into day three.Hakizimana scored a perfect 68 to take the second round, while Ruterana, who finished the first round with the same score, ended day two with a one-under-par 71 as the former did in the opening round, to leave both tied with 139 with two days of action remaining.Uganda’s Silver Opio remains in third place after scoring two-over round of 74 to add to his first round score of 73.However, day two provided the first casualty as Rwanda’s Olivier Munyaneza was forced to withdraw after pulling a stomach muscle. His withdrawal on the 13th hole, leaves the professional field to 11. He scored 78 in the opening round on Wednesday and by the point of pulling out, he was struggling to catch up with the leaders.Yesterday’s afternoon rain disrupted play at the Kigali Golf Club in Nyarutarama but didn’t cause much effect as play continued after a brief stoppage.Meanwhile, the two-day action in groups two (handicaps 10-18) and three (handicaps 19-28) as well as the ladies begins today where a total of 59 competitors, including nine ladies will be vying for the various trophies lined up.