Quibol, Eastridge pals zoom ahead

BAGUIO, Philippines — Eastridge Primehomes bounced back in a big way behind Jhondie Quibol’s exceptional 45 points as it pooled a superb second-round 158 points to wrest a five-shot advantage in Fil Championship of the 74th Januarius Fil Am Invitational at Camp John Hay here yesterday.

Quibol fired an eagle on No. 9 and drained eight birdies against a lone bogey, leading Eastridge to the best score in a single round in Fil-Am history.

With its 139 on the first day, Eastridge now holds a two-day haul of 297, leading Manila Southwoods (292) and erstwhile leader Januarius Private Equity which slid down to third with 289.

“Thankful that we’re on top but there are two more playing days so it is far from over,” said Eastridge team captain Gimo Asuncion.

“It would be even tougher since we are going to Baguio Country Club,” he said, noting how difficult it is to play the shorter but tricky BCC layout.

The Davao-born Quibol was really on fire, draining six birdies on the back nine where he began. He added two birdies at the front and that eagle on the ninth where he holed in a 120-yard second shot that negated his bogey on the seventh.

“The boys were motivated,” said Asuncion.