Nathwani takes lead as Wanyeche slips at Arusha Open

By Staff Writer, Arusha 
First-round leader Enosh Wanyeche endured a difficult second round to slip into a share of second place at the Reliance Insurance Arusha Open 2026 after struggling with both his putting and driving at Arusha Gymkhana Club (AGC) on Saturday.

The TPDF Lugalo Golf Club golfer, who impressed with an opening round of one-under-par 71 to lead the 54-hole championship, returned a seven-over-par 79 in the second round for a two-round total of six-over-par 150.

His overnight advantage disappeared as defending champion Jay Nathwani of AGC fired a level-par 72 to move to the top of the leaderboard on four-over-par 148, two strokes ahead of Wanyeche and fellow TPDF Lugalo golfer Isiaka Dunia, who produced one of the day's best rounds with a two-under-par 70 to also reach a total of 150.

Wanyeche is tied for second place with Dunia on six-over-par 150 heading into Sunday's decisive final round.

Reflecting on his disappointing second-round performance, Wanyeche admitted that both his long and short game let him down.

"My putting and even my drives just weren't working. In short, I wasn't in good form today, unlike yesterday," Wanyeche said.

"Let me fight again tomorrow and see what happens. My game was really poor today. To be honest, I'm very grateful I even managed to shoot a 79 considering the way I was playing."

The second-round setback was a sharp contrast to Friday's impressive performance, when Wanyeche carded four birdies against three bogeys to become the only player to break par in the opening round.

Christopher Botha sits fourth on 11-over-par 155 after rounds of 77 and 78, while Simon Travers is fifth on 14-over-par 158.

Victor Joseph of Dar es Salaam Gymkhana Club is tied for sixth on 15-over-par 159 alongside Obadia Ayo and Luv Lodhia after two rounds.

The annual championship is organised by Arusha Gymkhana Club in collaboration with the Tanzania Golf Union (TGU), sponsored by Reliance Insurance Company (Tanzania) Ltd, and sanctioned by the World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR).