ICTSI-TCC bets pace Mindanao Am tilt

Zanie Boy Gialon of ICTSI-The Country Club rallied with an eagle-spiked six-under 66 to grab a two-stroke lead over ICTSI-Cangolf’s Art Arbole as erstwhile leader Banny Abaño faltered with a 75 halfway through the Mindanao Regional Amateur golf championship at the rain-drenched Del Monte Golf Club in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Six shots behind Abaño at the start of the round, Gialon made the most of the lift, clean and place format at the muddied layout and strung up four birdies on Nos. 3, 5, 7 and 18, highlighting his flawless round with a pitch-in eagle from 30 yards on the par-4 No. 6.

The 21-year-old Gialon thus seized the lead with a 139, including an opening 73, two clear off Arbole, who shot a two-under 70 for a 141.

Abaño, who led Del Monte to last week's PAL Men's Interclub romp with a 38-point production, struggled with a three-over 75 a day after firing a bogey-free 67 Tuesday as the club bet dropped to third with a 143 with two rounds left in the tournament which stakes all-expense paid stints to the Philippine Amateur slated at Riviera in Cavite next month.

Sarah Ababa, also of ICTSI-TCC, took charge in the ladies side of the event, carding a one-over 73 for a three-stroke lead over teammate Sheryl Villasencio and local bet Eva Minoza at the start of the 54-hole tournament, organized by the National Golf Association of the Phils. and backed by Del Monte, Callaway and Odyssey Golf.

Villasencio and Minoza turned in identical 76s while Daniella Uy, also of ICTSI, stood in fourth with a 77 followed by ICTSI’s Sunshine Baraquiel, Sun Choi and Kristin Leonen of Del Monte.

Clyde Mondilla, the reigning national champion, withdrew from the event to prepare for the first Montecillo International Junior Cup which starts March 7 at Mt. Malarayat in Lipa City, Batangas.

Leonard Lofranco, the other member of the victorious Del Monte team in the Interclub, shot a 71 for a 143 while Raymond Ja-raulla, also of ICTSI-TCC, matched par for the second straight day and stood five strokes off the lead at 144.

The top three players in the men's division that hail from the Mindanao region will get the free trips to the Philippine Am while the ladies side will offer two tickets to the national tilt.(pr)