Ryan Rooney and Emma Zheng emerged as the Manawatu Wanganui Stroke Play champions after a rain-affected weekend at Marton Golf Club.

Despite the final round being cancelled due to inclement weather, both players secured their victories through outstanding performances in the preceding rounds.

Ryan Rooney, the current number one for Manawatu Wanganui, dominated in an impressive display of golf in less-than-ideal conditions. His rounds of 67 and 68, finishing eight-under-par, were good enough to secure a four-shot victory over his closest competitor, Taranaki’s Jack Van Prehn.

Rooney was shot behind the in-form Zack Swanwick after the opening round following a sizzling 66 from the Napier Golf Club member. Unfortunately, he fired 77 in the second round, dropping him into a share of fourth place behind Cooper Moore, who wrapped up third.

Emma Zheng delivered a solid performance in the women’s event, finishing with rounds of 71 and 69 to be four-under-par. Her steady and consistent play led her to claim the victory by a two-shot margin over Auckland’s Rianne Li, with BOP’s Hunter Edward’s and Manawatu Wanganui number one, Tara Raj, finishing in a share of third at one-under-par.