FORMER Guyana Open winner, Joaan Deo, won the female division of the Republic Bank Suriname Golf Invitational at Golf Club Paramaribo over the weekend.

The 28-year-old, who was leading after the opening day, finished with a score of 79 over 18 holes for 42 points. With her 40 points from day one, she tallied 82 points over the two days.  Another former Guyana Open winner, Shanella Webster, finished second with a two-day total of 75 points.

According to Deo, the win is her first outside of Guyana, and one of her best outside of the Guyana Open. “It feels really good to compete with players outside of Guyana and also to take home the championship.”

Excluding the win, yesterday’s play was also important because it was the first time that she broke 80 over 18 holes.

“I’m glad that I got the lowest gross score and the net points; it’s a big boost to my game.”

Twenty Guyanese golfers participated the event and a number of the male players did well in the different divisions, including Bridgelall Harry, who won the B flight (14-24 handicap) and Videsh Persaud, who finished second in the C flight.

Reigning Guyana Open champion, Avinash Persaud, who was tied for second place in the top flight on Saturday afternoon, fell out of the top three on Sunday.