Ben Martin wins AMBL/TATIL Open

BEN MARTIN yesterday won the ANSA Merchant Bank Limited Open Invitational Golf tournament at the St Andrews Golf Course, Moka, Maraval, when he shot a level par 72 on the final day for an accumulated tally of 142. The win has been a first for the young Trinidad and Tobago star who continued from where he left off on day one, Saturday, when he shot an impressive two under-par 70 which despite bogeys on the 17th and 18th holes. However his win did not come as a surprise following performances that could have been matched by  none. Not even the talented Simon Merry who had a 73 on the opening day, could stop  Martin.

Merry finished runner-up with an accumulated score of 145, two strokes behind the winner, after carding another one over-par 73 yesterday. Defending champion Carlos “Sexy” Baynes was only  third this time five strokes shy of Martin on  147.  He had a three over 75 on opening day and level par 72 yesterday. Patrick Boocock claimed the fourth prize after carding 73 and 74 on the two days. Favourite Martine De Gannes did not disappoint in winning the women’s category, carding 78 and 77 for a  155 total. Tracey Clarke was second also on 155, losing on a count-back, while Kelsey Lou Hing was third on 165.

In the seniors group Ray Roberts, a former national footballer in the 1970s, took the top position with a two-day score of 157.  He had a 77 yesterday after an 80 on the first. Tyrone Leong was runner-up also with an 157 tally, while Barry Ferdinand was third on 158. Pat Suraj won Super Seniors title after a 76 on day one and with 75 yesterday. Robert Grell and cousin Teddy were second  and third respectively. In the Men’s First Flight, L Sookram (164) was the winner from O Dinanath (165) and B Rostant third (168).