Zimbabwean professional golfers Promise Sombreiro and Visitor Mapwanya narrowly missed out on the Rwanda Open title after they finished second and third Kigali Golf Resort and Villas in Nyarutarama on Saturday.
Local favorite Celestin Nsanzuwera won the tournament after finishing on 12 - under par 66 276 in four rounds of golf.
Nsanzuwera carded 66 70 70 and 70 on his way to a four-stroke victory over Sombreiro.
Sombreiro scored 8 - under par 280 for the tournament after rounds of 67 72 69 and 72; and was one shot ahead of compatriot Mapwanya who shot 7 - under par overall.
Mapwanya signed for 70 71 70 and 70 in his four rounds.
Other Zimbabweans who took part in the tournament include Pride Sembo who tied for 12th on 4 - over as well as Clive Nguru who finished in a three-way tie for 16th place on 8 - over.
Gweru golfer completed the list of Zimbabweans who made the cut in the tournament after settling for 19th place with a 9 - over score.
Nyasha Muyambo, Tonderai Masunga, Tongoona Charamba and Morton Kombai failed to make the cut.
The champion Nsanzuwera earned a cash reward of US$9000 from the total prize fund of US$50,000 shared by all the 30 professionals who made the cut.
Sembreiro earned US$54000 for finishing as runner-up and Mapwanya, who finished third overall taking home US$3400.
Uganda’s top professional Ronald Rugumayo finished fourth to earn $2400. Rugumayo also earned an additional $2000 for hitting the nearest to the pin.
Two professionals Njoroge Kibugu (Kenya) and Tadeo Rodell Gaita (Uganda) tied for 5th place and earned US$2000 each for their troubles.
Eleven Kenyans, five Ugandans, five Zimbabweans, three Rwanda professionals, two Zambians, two Nigerians as well one apiece from Cote D’ Ivoire and Ghana made the cut.
Meanwhile, the amateur championship was won by Kenya’s Michael Karanga after finishing on 4-under 284 in four rounds, shooting 71, 70, 71, and 72.
Rwanda’s Jean D’ Amour Hitayezu was second three shots further back on 1 - under par 287 with Kenyan Adel Balala in third place on 2 - over par 290 and Uganda’s national team captain Joseph Cwinya-ai 8 - over par 296 following suit.
Uganda's Peace Kabasweka was the female amateur champion with a 321 gross total.
A number of different African countries were represented at the championship with other golfers from United States of America (USA), United Kingdom, Sweden and France also taking part.
