Gamban cards 75, leads RP Seniors Open

Carlo Gamban set off the expected charge of Bacolod-based bets by firing a three-over par 75 yesterday at Wack Wack’s west course as he took a one-stroke lead in the Philippine Seniors Amateur Open.

Gamban, a member of the RP team that won the ASEAN Seniors title last March, rode on a back nine rally to bolster his bid for a second title ahead of club bet Tetu Santos, who had a 76 in overcast skies which provided the right settings for a tightly-bunched scoring in the annual event.

Alex Montelibano, another Negrense who has been a major force in Seniors play in the past few years, stood two shots behind the leader with a 77.

Allan Gaston and Teddy Yabes were tied at 78, Col. Rico Javier was all alone at 79 while Col. Ben Liclican and Gen. Charlie Tañega both submitted 80’s.

Gamban struggled with a 40 in the first nine holes but recovered in time to score a one-under 35.

Santos, a former national team mainstay, likewise sputtered with a 39 but rallied with a 37, while Montelibano strung up nines of 38-39.

Meanwhile, some 100 players are expected to see action in the 36-hole age-group competition in the tournament staged by the National Golf Association of the Philippines, Federation of Philippine Senior Golfers, Inc. and National Golf Association and Wack Wack Senior Golfers Association Corp.