Choo wavers but hangs on

Singapore’s Choo Tze Huang, struggling all day from tee to green, limped home with a 77 yesterday. And yet, he still found himself on top of Class A midway the sixth Samsung Philippine International Golf Championship.

Choo, 15, could only hit nine greens in regulation as he fell prey to the challenges of the par 72, 6,774-yard Wack Wack Golf and Country Club’s East Course.

His effort was in stark contrast with his opening day 71 and he attributed this to poor overall game. But he will start the third round today with a six-shot lead at 148 in the division confined to those who are 15-17 years old.

Malaysia’s Anis Helmi made a 78 to retain second place with 154, but the Philippines’ Allan Minoza claimed low medal honors with a 74 and the nephew of the country’s top professional Frankie moved to third place with 156.

"I couldn’t putt, I couldn’t get them close around the green and on occasion, I couldn’t get out of bunkers decently," Choo said. "I better play better tomorrow to gun down the overall title again."

Last year, Choo topped Class B but since he couldn’t win two titles, he was awarded the overall championship. The second placer automatically captures the Class A crown.

Malaysia’s Ng Choo Sian Daniel came up with a 79 to go with an earlier 80 to wrest the Class B lead with 159. The division is limited to boys who are 13-14 years old.

First round leader Hirunratanakorn Anujit of Thailand made an 84 while Singapore’s Koh Dengshan shot a 78 to tie for second at 160.

An international field of 76 — 41 from South Korea, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand and 35 from the Philippines — is competing in the tournament where Samsung is the title sponsor.

Other backers were Cebu Pacific, Wilson Sports, Morelia Travel and Tours Inc., Herma Group of Companies, Pagcor, Mitsubishi Motors, Bingo Bonanza, Toyota Otis, Pisanti Golf.

Philippine Flour Mills, Rizal Rep. Gilberto Duavit, Takanobu Taira, Airlift Asia Inc., Raul Jorge, Sysu International, Absolute Distilled Water, Gatorade and EDSA Shangri-La.

Son Hyeon Ho of South Korea came up with a 76 for 156 to take the solo lead in the battle for the Special Division crown.

J.R. Tanpico, the defending champion from the Philippines, scored a 79 to go down to second at 159. Third was Singapore’s Henry Mo after shooting a 78 for 163.

Jung Jung Eun of South Korea carded a first-round 77 to pace the girls’ 13-17 division. Second was compatriot Jina Ko, who made a 78, followed by the Philippines’ Lovelyn Guio, 85.

The first round lead in the girls’ 12 and under division went to Hong Kong’s Lyara Yoe and Jae Hee Suh after firing identical 74s. Third was the Philippines’ Deborah de Villa after shooting a 76.

The Philippines’ Holen Juan Superal, grandson of the late touring pro Wenceslao, came up with a 76 to pace Class D. Second in the division limited to players who are 11-12 was Thailand’s Jun Heo with a 77.