Dabawenyo, Asistio take charge

ELMER SALVADOR

ANTONIO ASISTIO

Dabawenyo Elmer Salvador, seeking to become the first player in more than five decades to win back-to-back Philippine Open crowns, primed up for his title-retention bid as he fired a second straight three-under 69 to share the lead with rookie pro Antonio Asistio halfway through the P2 million event at the Valley Golf Club in Antipolo, Thursday.
With former champions and seasoned campaigners Frankie Minoza and Robert Pactolerin dropping off the lead with over-par rounds, Salvador took charge with a six-under 138, sparking hopes for a first repeat winner of the fabled event since the late Celestino Tugot racked up four straight from 1955.
“"My plan is to play consistently," said the soft-spoken Salvador in Filipino, who beat Dutch Guido Van der Valk at Mt. Malarayat to capture last year’s edition of the event sponsored by San Miguel Corp.
But out to foil his bid is a slew of talented players, including Asistio, who is trying to become one of the youngest winners of the country’s premier golfing event. The former national team standout turned in the day’s best score of four-under 68 to tie Salvador at the helm, one clear of unfancied Orlan Sumcad.
“I’m hitting the ball really well. The best it has ever been,” said the 21-year-old Asistio, who cracked under pressure and blew his title bid in last month’s ICTSI-Canlubang Golf Invitational, the final leg of this year’s local circuit.
Sumcad, who shared the lead with Minoza, Pactolerin and Dabawenyo amateur Zanie Boy Gialon in the first round of the P2 million event organized and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Phils., stayed in the hunt for a maiden victory with a 139 after a 71 that included four birdies against a bogey and a double-bogey.
Rufino Bayron slowed down with a 71 after a 69 for solo fourth at 140 while Minoza faltered at the back with a 38 for a one-over 73 and slid to joint fifth with Richard Sinfuego (71), Ferdie Aunzo (70) and Asian Games silver medalist Miguel Tabuena (71).
"It's not that bad, there's still two rounds to go," said Minoza, winner here in 1998 at Riviera and 2007 at Wack Wack, who recently qualified for the US Seniors Champions Tour.
The 49-year-old Pactolerin, who topped this event exactly two decades ago at Wack Wack, struggled with a three-over 75 and slipped to the group of 143 scorers, who included Anthony Fernando (70) and Russell Honrubia (73).
The 22-year-old Gialon, meanwhile, failed to sustain his hot start and skied to a five-over 77 for a 145.
Five players pooled a 142 for a share of ninth with Rey Pagunsan and Richard Abaring matching par 72s, Joenard Rates carding a 73, Albin Engino firing a 70 and Rolando Marabe firing a 69.
A total of 72 players, including 58 pros, made the cut at 153 although the other fancied bets stood too far behind the joint leaders, including Artemio Murakami (70-144), Marvin Dumandan (69-145), rookie pro Mhark Fernando (73-145) and former champion Cassius Casas (72-147).
The event is backed by Pagcor, Orient Pearl, Amalgamated Motors (Phils.) Inc., Mercedes-Benz, Mitsubishi, Rudy Project, Yamaha Golf Car, Kilton Motor Corp, Phil. Span Asia Carrier Corp, E.L. Enterprises, EFC and friends of NGAP with Club Car Phls. as hole-in-one sponsor and A Round of Golf as media partner. Motorola is the event's 2-way radio supplier.(pr)