Calatagan zeroes in on crown

BAGUIO City — Calatagan took a step closer to capturing the 51st Fil-Am golf championship on its very first try as it scored 122 points for an 18-point lead at 413 even as defending Fil Championship titlist CAP-Southwoods gained five points for 395 after a 127 output yesterday at Baguio Country Club layout.

Calatagan still enjoys an 18-point lead over CAP-Southwoods while Wack Wack is in third with 378 (130-122-126), Mizuno Masters Sports at fourth at 355 (109-134-113) and Camp John Hay fifth with 349.

"Eighteen points lead is a good cushion for our team in the final round. As long as we shoot average of 35s we will still be okay," said Tommy Manotoc, who sustained a minor injury on his left eye brow after he was accidentally hit by an errant golf ball during the round.

Manotoc scored 33 points marked by his 8-foot birdie on the 7th despite his injury. Juvic Pagunsan carded 34 as the team’s point-man. Solomon Gines contributed 30 and Boyet Zaragosa 25.

Southwoods’ 127 third round performance was banked by Turo Nakajima who carded 34. He was supported by Angelo Que 33, Jun Jun Plana 32 and Cookie Lao’s 29.

Gerald Cantada maintained his solid performance for Wack Wack, scored 37, an improvement from his 29 output Thursday. He was aided by JR Tanpingco 33, Cosco Oben 31 and Kit Lopez 25.

Fil-Am co-chairman and BCC deputy manager Anthony de Leon assured that yesterday’s accident will not be repeated as he ordered more marshalls in the course. "Manotoc is okay naman, he just asked for ice to his swollen eye brow."

Double Tee held on the lead in Flight A with 325, while Philippine Contractor is ahead in B Flight with 297.

Confusion in the scoring committee caused the delay in the release of results yesterday.

Over at Camp John Hay, Pine Golf of California is leading Am Flight A with 296, Capitol Hills with 276 and Green Meadows 258.

Team Los Angeles tallied 278 to lead Flight B-Am, followed by Nueva Ecija 259 while Green Eagles 258.