Strene claims amateur crown

Sterne, with a handicap of +1, and Rohana, Sri Lanka’s top amateur golfer, with a scratch handicap, were level after the first 18 holes. Rohana had birdies on the first, seventh and eighth holes, but Sterne kept close contact with birdies on the fourth and eighth holes.

Three bogeys by Rohana ensured that Sterne finished the first nine holes a stroke under as compared to Rohana’s par 35.

The back nine on the first 18 holes saw Sterne go one up with a double bogey on the 15th and 17th holes. He had a birdie on the 14th.

In reply, Rohana shot birdies on the 1st, 7th and 8th holes to finish the front nine a par 35. On the back nine, Rohana again finished on par with birdies on the 11th and 12th and bogie on the 13th and 14th.

Sterne set the course on fire on the second 18 hole round with birdies on the 4th, 6th, 7th, 9th, 10th, 11th and 12th holes. A bogie on the second and eighth were the only blemishes in his excellent round.

Rohana, on the other hand, could manage a birdie only on the 4th hole, to lose out by 5 and 4 on the 14th hole.

Sterne, who aims to turn pro this year rated this tournament as the toughest amateur event he has faced in his career. ‘‘This is my first win abroad after becoming the South African amateur champion in 2000. The standard of golf among the amateurs here is very high and I hope to come here to defend my title next year.’’

Rohana, the 27-year-old top Sri Lankan amateur could only regret a poor show after a strong campaign through the week.