Chris Richards Jr Roars Back to Defend T&T Open Title in Nail-Biting Finish

MOKA, Trinidad – Defending champion Chris Richards Jr produced a masterclass in pressure golf on Sunday, storming back from a two-stroke deficit to retain his T&T Golf Open title in a dramatic finish at St Andrews Golf Club here in Moka, Maraval.

Chris Richards Jnr. Photo: SportTTThe home favourite entered the final round trailing St Lucia’s Yadhu Urs, who had held the overnight advantage, but delivered when it mattered most with a composed two-over-par round featuring five birdies.

Richards Jr gradually climbed the leaderboard before making his decisive move late in the day, overtaking the leaders to secure a winning total of five-over-par.

The victory marks Richards Jr’s second consecutive T&T Open crown and extends his remarkable hot streak to three tournament wins on the trot, following recent triumphs in the United States.

For Urs, it was a case of what might have been. The St Lucian had looked poised to claim the prestigious title after carrying the lead into the final round, but six bogeys proved costly as he slipped back to finish at six-over-par, agonisingly just one stroke adrift of Richards Jr in a tense battle down the stretch.

Behind the leading duo, St Kitts and Nevis’ Adrian Norford produced the round of the day, a superb one-over-par effort that catapulted him into third place on 12-over-par for the tournament.

First-round leader Liam Bryden of T&T slipped to fourth, also finishing on 12-over-par, while compatriot Ross Ramkissoon rounded out the top five.

Jamaica’s Jodi Munn-Barrow continued her dominance of the Ladies Division, successfully defending her title with a commanding performance from start to finish. Munn-Barrow led throughout and closed with a winning total of 25-over-par.

T&T’s Victoria Seenath finished second at 34-over-par, with compatriot Isabella Ramdeen securing third at 37-over-par. Elise La Borde (44-over-par) and Kahlan Francis (48-over-par) completed the top five, both representing the host nation.

Adam Green claimed the First Flight title with a score of 29-over-par, while William Bedford and Courtney Edwards shared second place, both finishing on 33-over-par.

T&T’s Nandlal Ramlakhan took the Second Flight crown with 50-over-par, finishing ahead of fellow countryman Rafael Rosa and Canada’s Pramie Shadoo, who shared second place at 55-over-par.

Richard Camacho flew the T&T flag high in the Seniors Division, securing the title with an impressive total of 10-over-par. Barbados’ Scott Stollmeyer finished second on 16-over-par, while T&T’s Neil Latchmansingh placed third at 20-over-par. Jamaica’s Mark Newnham claimed fourth at 26-over-par.

The division also featured two of the nation’s most celebrated sporting icons. T&T football legend Russell Latapy finished 10th at 34-over-par, while West Indies cricket icon Brian Lara placed 14th on 36-over-par.

T&T dominated the Super Seniors podium, with John Holley capturing the title at 27-over-par. Wayne Baptiste finished second on 29-over-par, while Hollis George secured third place at 31-over-par, completing an all-Trinidadian top three.

John Hale took top honours in the Masters Division, finishing ahead of Louis de Mellihac in second and Ahamad Ali in third.