Joshi and Srinivasan storm to Victory at the International Pairs UAE Els Club qualifier
Manish Joshi & Satyanurthy Srinivasan dashed a few hopes at the Els Club on Saturday 9th March when, playing in the final group, they returned a day’s best 47 points to claim a place in the June National Final of Tech Access International Pairs UAE Presented by Cadillac. With two teams already in the clubhouse on 42 points, Dave Cracknell & Ian Fleming held a slender advantage over Mike Walker & Alan Perkins courtesy of a better back-9 and with only two pairs still on the course, victory was within touching distance until Joshi & Srinivasan came with their extraordinary total. Srinivasan started his day with three net birdies before a net eagle on the 5th by Joshi really got their day going. Four more birdies in the last five holes applied the finishing touches to an excellent day with both players contributing throughout.
In contrast, Cracknell & Fleming played in the first group of the day and set the early clubhouse target of 42 points, which although threatened, remained unbeaten until Joshi & Srinivasan completed their round. Cracknell’s storming finish of eagle, birdie, eagle, ignited a scorecard that was steady at best until then. Walker & Perkins played good golf between them to also return 42 points with Walker’s birdie, net eagle on the long 13th the highlight.
Kory Thompson won nearest the pin on the 11th with a magnificent 4-iron to 3-feet while Gerhardt Pretorius’ effort on the difficult 17th was the best of the day there. Mercedes Sheen won a night at Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi in the lucky draw while Manish Joshi continued his day in the prizes when he and Adrian Adams each won a pair of Crocs Golf shoes courtesy of DG Golf, the regional distributors.
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, Manish Joshi & Satyanurthy Srinivasan 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 and Sharjah Wanderers Golf Club who have already qualified. Members at Sharjah Golf & Shooting Club, Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club and Al Ain Equestrian, Shooting & Golf Club will play their qualifiers in March, April and May respectively.
Photo: Manish Joshi & Satyanurthy Srinivasan of Els Club, pictured with Francisco David, Membership & Events Manager
