Johnson set for hat-trick of Beacon wins

By Hallam Hope

James Johnson snatched a three-stroke lead on the field after producing a four under par in the Men’s Championship Flight on the penultimate day of the 25th Beacon Barbados Open golf tournament at Royal Westmoreland Saturday.

Johnson shot 34 on both front and back for 68 which puts him three strokes ahead of Briton Marcus Clarke. Clarke, who is aiming for a place on the Barbados team, has been in good form with scores of 73 and 71.

Nick Voss has also been in good nick with scores of 74 and 71 which leave him third and four shots away from Johnson. Teenager Simon Proverbs, a player for the future, followed up Friday’s 74 with 78.

But the defending champion Johnson looks well set for a hat-trick of Beacon wins.

Antigua and Barbuda’s Kimesha Anthony is virtually almost home with the title. She finished with a round of 74 or two over part, a disappointment for her following one under yesterday.

Anthony leads Barbadian Lynn DeCambra McCleod by six strokes McCleod had an excellent day of 73 following her 78 Friday.

Helen Foster, Jaimie Hole and Mary Ince are out of contention with scores of 80 or more.

The Caribbean amateur Seniors’ champion team of Ricky Skeete and Robert Piggott are set of a fine match-up Sunday in their category. They are joint leaders on a two-day Gross of 150.

Former Barbados team manager Ritchie Alleyne performed well for 77 to take an eight-stroke lead in the Super Seniors flight, which also looks like his to lose.

Minister of Sports Dr. Esther Byer-Suckoo will deliver the feature address at Sunday’s prize-giving ceremony.