NEW ZEALAND-based golfer Ishaan Shah delivered a dominant performance to win the Fiji Care Insurance-sponsored Eastern Amateur Championship after finishing eight-under par over 54 holes at the weekend.
Golf Fiji tournament director Rohit Chandra said the championship attracted 90 starters and was played in ideal conditions, with the course in pristine condition and favourable weather contributing to two days of high-quality golf.
“The Eastern Amateur Championship unfolded over the weekend with all the hallmarks of a premier sporting event.
“The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as ninety starters took to a course that was in pristine condition, aided by favourable weather that set the stage for two days of exceptional golf,” Chandra said.
Shah, who arrived in Fiji from New Zealand last week, competed in the tournament to earn World Amateur Golf Ranking points through both the Eastern and Western Amateur Championships. His impressive eight-under-par total saw him finish well clear of the field, while Fiji’s top-ranked amateur, Shakil Pillai, finished runner-up on two-over par.
Chandra said Shah’s victory positioned him to receive valuable World Amateur Golf Ranking points once the results are officially confirmed. Other divisions also produced impressive performances. Ravinesh Goundan won the A Grade overall net title, while Raina Kumar claimed the ladies gross title with a score of seven-over par.
Attention now turns to the Western Amateur Championship, which will be held at Denarau Golf Club on July 11- 12. The tournament is expected to attract another strong field as golfers continue their quest for national selection and world ranking points.
