Roth holds nerve to win Nokia Cup

As the end of the golf season approaches, the ladies’ section held the final event on its calendar, the Nokia Championship.

This competition is a test of nerve and skill for the golfers – two rounds of medal on consecutive days, played off ‘scratch’ (meaning competitors play without the usual extra shots awarded to non-professional golfers via the handicap system).

The lower handicap ladies compete for the Nokia Cup, that has been played for since 1934, while those with handicaps of 24 and over challenge just as fiercely for the Nokia Moya Hann trophy.

Day one of the Championship, sponsored by Intercomp Ltd for the sixth year running, was played in perfect weather conditions on a course that was looking at its best – a combination that clearly suited Manuela Roth who came in with an excellent score of 79 after 18 holes.

Just two shots behind, in a three-way tie, were Felicity Dix, Maria Woodward and Laine Tutane.

Leading at the Moya Hann trophy was Jutta Klotz with an equally impressive gross score – as one of higher handicappers – of 88 on her card.

Klotz’s closest challengers were Doreen Balzan and Yvonne van Beek, both with rounds of 93.

At the halfway mark, Laine Tutane had not only closed the gap on Roth, but was ahead by one shot as they went into the back nine holes. It was the tightest of contests but Roth managed to hold her nerve as Tutane dropped a shot through an unfortunate penalty, meaning that after the full 36 holes, the overall scores were 162 to 163 respectively.

The win gave Roth her fifth championship in the past 15 years.

In the Moya Hann, Klotz could not quite match her first-day performance, but the lead guaranteed her an easier battle on the course as she posted another excellent score of 91.

Klotz’s margin, 11 shots over runner-up Balzan’s 190 aggregate, ensured she retained the trophy.