Mwathi Gicheru set the pace on the opening day of the 2026 NCBA Kenya Junior Matchplay Championship, carding an impressive 1 under-par 71 at Sigona Golf Club as the Strokeplay qualifier concluded with 32 players advancing to the matchplay stage.
Gicheru, representing Royal Nairobi Golf Club, produced the lowest score of the day to take top spot in the qualifier, finishing one shot ahead of Jelani Kihanya of Limuru Country Club, who carded 2-over-par 74.
Kevin Anyien of Royal Nairobi Golf Club followed in third place at +3 (75), while Sean Widor of San Roque Golf Club and Maahir Patel of Sigona Golf Club shared fourth place at +4 (76).
A closely contested group followed, with Jemile Gacheru, Yuvraj Rajput, Andrew Gathere, Ewan Widor, and Justin Ngeera all finishing at +5 (77).
The Strokeplay qualifier provided an important test ahead of the matchplay phase, with players required to position themselves among the top 32 to progress in the championship.
The field included a strong mix of Kenya’s leading junior golfers alongside international competitors.
Among those advancing were several notable names, including Aarush Vara, Kayden Wissanji, Savir Shah, Yuvraj Rajput, Justin Ngeera, Ewan Widor, Sean Widor, and Kevin Anyien, setting up an exciting matchplay draw.
Following the conclusion of the qualifier, the 32 players who made the cut have been placed into their respective matchplay pairings, with head-to-head competition set to begin tomorrow.
The shift from Strokeplay to matchplay will provide an entirely different challenge, with players now needed to focus on their individual opponents and make tactical decisions hole by hole.
A single mistake or moment of brilliance could prove decisive as the field begins its journey towards the championship final.
With the top players separated by just a handful of strokes in the qualifier, the matchplay stage promises to deliver a series of closely contested encounters at Sigona Golf Club.
Matchplay action gets underway on Tuesday 11th August 2026, with the championship continuing through to 13th August 2026.
