LEADING Zimbabwean golfer Ryan Cairns has withdrawn from today’s Zambezi Tour Open Classic due to a wrist injury.
DANIEL NHAKANISO SPORTS REPORTER
The Sunshine Tour professional, who has been sidelined by the injury since last month, was expected to be part of the strong field to tee off in the 36-hole tournament at Chapman Golf Club.
However, in an interview with NewsDay Sport yesterday, Cairns, who is currently seeking medical attention in Australia, said he had been forced to withdraw due to the injury.
“Yeah, I withdrew from the Open Classic today (yesterday).” said Cairns, who was expecting an update from his doctor later in the day. “I’ll only be able to send you an update in the next couple of hours as I only heard back from the doctor this evening (Sydney time),” he said.
The Open Classic, which has a prize fund of $10 000, is the first pro tournament to be held on the Zambezi Tour since the Sunshine Tour co-sanctioned the Golden Pilsener Zimbabwe Open in April.
Zambezi Tour marketing and communications director Tendayi Gwatiringa said in addition to local players, they had also received entries from Zambia and South Africa.
“Entries closed on Friday 1st August 2014 and it is pleasing to report that we have a fairly strong field featuring the likes of Ryan Cairns and Greg Bentley who have been featuring on the Sunshine Tour.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“South Africans coming in include John Bele, Tsietsi Chabangu, Tebogo Sefatsa and Thabang Simon. The Zambian contingent includes Michael Chiluba, Madalitso Muthiya and Patrick Mwendapole,” said Gwatiringa.
The Open Classic will also see former national team amateur players Christian Mbanga and Clive Nguru finally making their professional debuts since relinquishing their amateur status in May.
