Ishwar and Ashok in Last minute International Pairs UAE win at Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
Ishwar Johda and Ashok Ahuja left it late but a net birdie on their final hole by Jodha ensured victory and their place as Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club representatives in the 2013 Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac National Final, to be played at Yas Links in June.
With 39 points and safely in the clubhouse, it appeared that Ashok Kumar & Suresh Shewakramani, who started the day as runaway favourites, had the win secured but Jodha & Ahuja were in the last group to finish and, with 40 points, clinched the top prize. Even halves of 20 points each were highlighted by some particularly solid play on the back-9 from the experienced Jodha as he guided his younger partner home. Ahuja did make crucial net birdies on their opening hole as well as the tricky 17th to maintain momentum.
Kumar & Shewakramani, who blitzed the field the previous day with a staggering 6-under par better-ball round, started the day as obvious favourites and were living up to their billing until faltering on the 18th and 1st holes, eventually coming up a point short. Husband & wife pairing Warren Panting & Vanessa North completed the podium line-up after a steady day on the course. Their 37 points was never going to mount a serious challenge however as they were left to rue too many bogeys.
Veteran Dubai Creek contender, Jamal Saab, won the Nearest-the-Pin prize on the 5th hole while 2010-11 International Pairs UAE National Finalist, KJ Singh, took the honours on 14.
In the traditional “Grand Prize Draw”, Adhip Shankar won a night at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi while Abdelaziz Al Hakim & Rakesh Bhatia each took home a pair of Crocs Golf Shoes, presented by DG Golf.
Photo: Ishwar Jodha & Ashok Ahuja, pictured with Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club Lady Captain, Maureen Platt.
Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac is also sponsored by Rivoli, Mediclinic, Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi and supported by Sun & Sand Sports, Worldwide Golf, Sport 360 and UAE Golf Online. In the June National Final, Ishwar Jodha & Ashok Ahuja will join representatives from Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Abu Dhabi City Golf Club, Yas Links, Emirates Golf Club, The Address Montgomerie Dubai, Al Hamra Golf Club, Tower Links Golf Club, Al Ghazal Golf Club, Al Badia Golf Club, Jumeirah Golf Estates, Emirates Golf Federation Handicap Scheme, Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club, Els Club and Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club who have already qualified. Members at Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club will play in the last 2012-13 qualifier on 10th May.
