Manama: The seventh Bahrain Amateur Golf Championship kicked off at the Royal Golf Club, with 100 players representing all golf clubs in the Kingdom of Bahrain, alongside national and club players from GCC countries, resident expatriates, and participants from other Arab nations.
According to Bahrain News Agency, the opening round featured intense competition among the players, reflecting the large turnout and the championship's growing stature. The event achieved one of its key goals by allowing Bahraini amateur golfers to compete with experienced and skilled players, enhancing their technical and tactical abilities and preparing them for future professional tournaments.
The championship is sponsored by Ebrahim Khalil Kanoo, the exclusive distributor of Lexus in Bahrain, along with several national companies and banks.
Qatari golfer Daniil Sokolov topped the leaderboard on the first day with 65 points (seven under par), followed by Egypt's Issa Abou Ela in second with 66 points and Sweden's Larsson in third with 66 points.
The UAE's Ahmad Skaik finished fourth with 67 points, while Qatar's Salah Al Kaabi ranked fifth with 68 points. UAE player Selvaraj and Britain's Mullane tied for sixth with 68 points, followed by England's Oscar and Scotland's Dominic, who each scored 70 points. Bahrain national team player Ali Al Kuwari also finished with 70 points, placing tenth at the end of the opening round.