As the tour moves to the windswept Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club for the fifth leg starting today, chances of a Negrense breakthrough are very high with the return of Rodrigo Cuello and Robert Pactolerin deadly as ever.
Cuello, back from his overseas campaign, and Pactolerin will be leading the charge for the hometown bets in the 72-hole event which is the second stop of the Visayas swing of the tour.
Though winless in his three stints, Pactolerin has placed second twice and third last week in Iloilo won by Benjie Magada. His steady form makes him a marked man at the Marapara course where he had posted his most memorable victories in the past.
Mike Arroyo’s First Gentleman Foundation, Inc. and circuit–presenter San Miguel Beer are putting up another P600,000 pot money for the tournament which has attracted 69 entries. WG&A Super Ferry is also supporting the circuit by way of providing free transportation for the pros in the southern legs.
Magada and the three other previous winners of the circuit - Antonio Lascuna, Cassius Casas and Richard Sinfuego–are all entered and the addition of amateur ace Juvic Pagunsan should make things more exciting for the week.
Pagunsan led for two rounds last week en route to a fourth place finish. He remains a solid threat as he continues his preparation for the country’s Putra Cup stint.
"Mga tiga-Bacolod pa rin ang lamang dito, tayo naman e tiga-bantay lang. Ganoon ang attitude ko last week, lumusot naman," said Magada, who nipped Sinfuego by one stroke for the Iloilo leg.
Sibling rivalries among prominent Negrenses are in the offing with the Rodrigo, Rodolfo and Alex Cuello out to make a serious charge for the P100,000 top prize.
Senior player Mario Siodina is also back and should give the younger pros a run for their money. Also tipped to make a strong charge are rookie pro Angelo Que, Mars Pucay, Dan Cruz, Marlon Dizon and Carito Villaroman.
Pactolerin believes it’s still a wide open battle and there is no such thing as a homecourse advantage.
"Basta kung sino ang maganda ang palo yun ang mananalo siyempre. Karamihan naman kami alam naming yung character ng course," said Pactolerin.