Szeplaki impresses in latest Top Flight Golf round

Competition in the Promotech National Top Flight Golf League intensified on Sunday at the Lusignan Golf Course (LGC), East Coast Demerara (ECD), with Joseph Szeplaki producing an impressive performance to win the fifth round and shake up the standings.
Szeplaki carded a standout net of 68 to claim overall honours and eight points, while also capturing the back-nine title for an additional two points to finish the day with a maximum 10 points. His late surge proved decisive in a tightly contested round that went down to the closing holes.

Paton George had earlier set the pace with a strong start, registering a net 31 on the front nine to secure that segment and two points. However, his challenge faded after a costly seven-over-par effort on a par-four hole derailed his momentum.
The battle for victory eventually narrowed to Szeplaki and former Guyana Open champion Mike Mangal. Over the final six holes, Szeplaki delivered a composed two-under-par finish, while Mangal slipped to one-over-par, allowing Szeplaki to pull clear and seal the win.
There was also late drama on the 18th green as Orson Ferguson lined up a six-foot birdie putt that would have handed him victory with a net 67. The attempt narrowly missed, and he settled for a bogey to finish with a net 69. Despite the setback, Ferguson secured second place and five points, edging Mangal on a tie-breaker.
Mangal also finished with a net 69 to claim three points, while Ian Gouveia recorded a net 71 for two points. Patanjilee Persaud rounded out the scorers with a net 72 to earn one point.
A brief late-afternoon shower added another layer of difficulty, slowing the greens and making bunker play more challenging during the closing stages.
After five rounds, Videsh Persaud continues to lead the overall standings with 17 points. Patanjilee Persaud has moved into second on 15 points, while Brian Hackett remains in close contention on 14.
Szeplaki’s victory has significantly tightened the leader-board, as he now joins Mangal, Chet Bowling, and Keshan Bacchus in a four-way tie on 10 points. Ian Gouveia and Orson Ferguson sit on six points as the competition remains finely poised.