HARARE - Ryan Cairns confirmed his status as Zimbabwe’s leading pro after firing a three-under 69 to lift the Golden Pilsener Pre-Open Classic at Royal Harare Golf Club yesterday.

Cairns, who had fired a two-over 74 in the first round on Thursday, walked away with a prize of $2 000 having finished with a gross total of one-under 143.

Shane Pringle finished in second, a single stroke behind Cairns after carding rounds of 73 and 71.

The Royal Harare based pro walked away with a prize of $1 300.

Four golfers Julius Kalimazeni, Mohammad Mandhu, Irvin Mazibuko and Robson Saurombe who finished tied for third got $850 each.

The quartet had a score of two-over 146.

Chapman-based pro Tich Musemburi finished in seventh place with a total score of three-over 147 to win a prize of $600.

Overnight leader Darren Bismark faded away in the second and final round yesterday to finish the tourney in eight place after firing a round of seven-over 79.

Bismark looked in control of the tourney on the opening round as he carded a two-under 70 on Thursday but the Borrowdale Brooke based pro could not find his rhythm yesterday.

The Pre-Open Classic was the first tournament on the Golden Pilsener Zambezi Tour 2013 calendar and served as a warm-up to help local pros prepare for next month’s Zimbabwe Open.

This coming week, the Zambezi Tour moves to Borrowdale Brooke for the Champions Cup. - Sports Writer