But still finished two shots shy of Zimbabwe's Tanaka Chatora in the opening round of the R&A Africa Amateur Championship, while South Africa's (SA)  ladies number one Lisa Coetzer opened up a two-shot lead in the Africa Amateur Women's Invitational.

Chatora responded in the best way possible to two early bogeys on Wednesday with a pair of eagles for a leading seven-under-par 65.

After bogeys on the first and the third, the 18-year-old Zimbabwean didn't put a foot wrong as he made five birdies and those eagles to take the lead in the tournament that will give the winner exemptions into The 153rd Open at Royal Portrush and The Amateur Championship, among others.

A stroke back on four-under-par in a share of third were Kenya's Michael Karanga and SAs Johndre Ludick and Craig Roelof, while former Nedbank Junior Challenge champion Bryan Newman slotted into sixth with an opening 69.

SA's number one and last week's champion Astin Arthur had to withdraw due to health reasons.

--ChannelAfrica--