Hussain in the lead

Fiji’s leading amateur golfer Abid Hussain is the one to beat in the 51st RC Manubhai Ba Open Championship at the Fiji Sugar Corporation Rarawai Course today.

Hussain from Nadi set the early pace yesterday in the 36 holes event carding even par 69. Jainendra Prasad of the Fiji Golf Club scored 73 while home town veteran Rajen Singh carded 74 in the morning session.

Ba Open Championship co-ordinator Rohit Chandra said they recorded a full field on day one.

Chandra said play was tough in the opening round.

“Abid is in top form carding even par 69,” he said.

“So to break the course record is in sight for Abid. But there will be pressure on all the leading golfers to claim the title.

“The course is playing well and it will be the putts on the greens that will count at the end.”

Sam Lee holds the 36 holes overall gross tournament record in the Ba Open Golf Championship.

He achieved this feat in 2014 when he eclipsed the previous record of even par 138 set by former world number one Vijay Singh in 1981 by one stroke carding 137.

Lee turned professional the following year.