Uchenna Anoruo on Tuesday raced to an early lead in the first round (Leg 13) of the Race to Nigeria Masters (Pro/Am) tournament in Owerri.

Five players on Tuesday teed off course in the struggle to subdue the luscious Arsenal Golf Course.

Coming first place on the leaderboard with one over par (73) was Anoruo. He started his round with a bogey in the first and second holes, par in third, fourth, fifth, bogey in the sixth, par in seventh, birdie in hole eight and eventually finished the front nine with a par to make 37.

With a par in 10th, 11th, a birdie in hole 12th and the remaining holes on the back nine being a par, saw him come in with 36, finishing the round with one over par (73).

“I am very excited that after winning the last tournament, I still feel the zeal to do more, and I promise to outdo myself in subsequent rounds of this tournament to achieve success,” Anoruo said.

In the second position with four scores different is David Ali, who played five over par (77). He played five bogeys, three birdies and 10 par.

“This was a dreadfully disappointing way to start the tournament, but tomorrow is another hopeful day. We go hard on the course,” Ali said.

The rest of the players expressed optimism, saying that they were hopeful that they would play better in subsequent rounds and make it to the top of the board.

The tournament, which began on Tuesday, will end on Friday. 

(NAN)