Kenyan professionals John Wangai and Njoroge Kibugu will head into the final round of the Betika Masters tied for the lead on seven-under-par 137 after a dramatic second day at VetLab Sports Club.
The event marks the seventh leg of the Sunshine Development Tour – East Africa Swing.
Wangai carded an outstanding six-under-par 66, the lowest score of the day, to storm into contention.
Starting on the back nine, the Sigona Golf Club pro fired four straight birdies from the 12th to 15th holes, dropped a shot on 16, and added another birdie on 18.
On his return nine, he birdied the 1st and 2nd, bogeyed the 3rd, and closed with a birdie on the 6th for a brilliant round.
“Today I hit the ball well off the tee and my putting was very good,” Wangai said.
“When I realized I could go under par, I kept pushing. I’m hoping this is the start of something big. Tomorrow, I’ll just stay calm and enjoy my game.”
Kibugu kept his momentum with a second straight solid round of 68 to join Wangai at the top.
His front nine featured a birdie on the 3rd and an eagle on the 7th.
On the back nine, he picked up birdies on the 12th and 15th to close on four-under.
“It was a tough day, especially dealing with a stomach upset, but I stayed patient,” Kibugu said.
“Pressure is a privilege, and I’ll stay focused to give myself a chance at the title tomorrow.”
Rwanda’s Celestin Nsanzuwera sits just one shot behind the leaders at six-under-par 138 after a composed 68 that included six birdies.
“I hit more fairways and putted better today,” he said.
“I prefer chasing rather than being chased—it takes off the pressure.”
Veteran Dismas Indiza is fourth on five-under-par 139 following a strong 67, while David Wakhu and Greg Snow are tied fifth at three-under-par 141.
Snow, the overnight leader, slipped after carding a one-over-par 73.
Vipingo Ridge’s Naomi Wafula remains the only woman in the field to make the cut, extending her impressive run since turning pro.
Thirty players advanced to Tuesday’s final round, where they will battle for the Betika Masters title and a share of the KSh 2 million purse, with the winner taking home KSh 400,000.
The event also offers valuable OWGR, WAGR, and Safari Tour Order of Merit points toward qualification for the 2026 Magical Kenya Open.
The Betika Masters is sanctioned by the Sunshine Tour and supported by Betika, EABL’s Johnnie Walker, Pure Travel, Magical Kenya, and The Golf Company.
