Mondilla defies odds, seizes lead

STA. ROSA, Laguna, Philippines – Clyde Mondilla delivered a resilient performance on yesterday here, battling through a tough start to card a second-round 73 and wrest a two-stroke lead at The Country Club Invitational.

His gutsy output brought him to a one-under 143 at the punishing TCC course, despite a rocky front nine. Mondilla, who started the day in third place after a 70, found himself at two-over through 11 holes. However, he managed to recover with a crucial birdie on the 15th hole, steadying his game to avoid falling behind.

In the end of the punishing day, he was able to par the final holes, preserving his lead.

“I’m glad I was able to recover, especially since I wasn’t hitting it very well,” said Mondilla, reflecting on his effort to stay in contention in the P6 million championship put up by ICTSI chairman and CEO Ricky Razon in memory of his father and ICTSI founder Don Pocholo.

Despite the challenges, Mondilla’s resolve kept him ahead of the pack, leaving him with a two-stroke advantage over the surging Reymon Jaraula and Jay Bayron, erstwhile co-leader LJ Go and Aidric Chan.

Jaraula and Bayron both posted rounds of 71, the best in the day. Meanwhile, Chan and Go struggled, with the former’s inconsistency leading to a 74 and the latter’s three-straight bogeys from No. 15 resulting in a 76.

Mondilla defies odds, seizes lead

STA. ROSA, Laguna, Philippines – Clyde Mondilla delivered a resilient performance on yesterday here, battling through a tough start to card a second-round 73 and wrest a two-stroke lead at The Country Club Invitational.

His gutsy output brought him to a one-under 143 at the punishing TCC course, despite a rocky front nine. Mondilla, who started the day in third place after a 70, found himself at two-over through 11 holes. However, he managed to recover with a crucial birdie on the 15th hole, steadying his game to avoid falling behind.

In the end of the punishing day, he was able to par the final holes, preserving his lead.

“I’m glad I was able to recover, especially since I wasn’t hitting it very well,” said Mondilla, reflecting on his effort to stay in contention in the P6 million championship put up by ICTSI chairman and CEO Ricky Razon in memory of his father and ICTSI founder Don Pocholo.

Despite the challenges, Mondilla’s resolve kept him ahead of the pack, leaving him with a two-stroke advantage over the surging Reymon Jaraula and Jay Bayron, erstwhile co-leader LJ Go and Aidric Chan.

Jaraula and Bayron both posted rounds of 71, the best in the day. Meanwhile, Chan and Go struggled, with the former’s inconsistency leading to a 74 and the latter’s three-straight bogeys from No. 15 resulting in a 76.