Sato cracks best nett score

Nearly 12 dozen players hit the fairways and greens on Saturday in their individual attempts to qualify for the final rounds of the prestigious Pin Fernando Trophy donated by his devoted wife Pam in memory of the absolute maestro.

Thirty two contestants qualified for match play, 38 hit smashing centuries, 13 pushed their score cards into the shredding machine and about 4 dozen just failed to qualify with inadequate scores.

K. Sato from the Land of the Rising Sun playing off 18 completed an excellent round to not only take a commanding lead but also register the lowest nett score of 65. Coming behind him with an as impressive score of 67 was Nikamal Perera. Both Sato and Perera will have their handicaps chopped. There were 3 more impressive rounds coming from the club heads of Say Tien Fatt 69, S.Vairavanathan 69 and Priath Fernando 71.

Under cover of secrecy the centurions met and unanimously agreed to inaugurate a Century Club and I understand the choice of a President is between Mylar and Rahular both consistently good performers. In anticipation of the honour, Mylar and Rahular played extravagant hosts at the Guv'nors to many of those who were eligible. Newcomers to the Club are Thiagalingam Nirmalingam and Priya Samarasinghe. The Shredding Machine was choked to capacity with several battling for space. Dian Jayasuriya, J.J. Ambani, Arshad Ahamed and Sidath Wettimuny broke the queue in the rush.

The thirty two contestants will continue match play and eventually the final will come off between the 2 players who survive. Pam Fernando and son Priath are planning a glittering award ceremony supported by United Tractor & Equipment Co. Ltd. in honour of the doyen Pin Fernando. I will be there.