Chua, Roberto continue to lead pack

CEBU CITY — Heidi Chua of Wack Wack and Lora Roberto of Southwoods stayed tied in the lead even as reigning champion Lina de Guzman of Canlubang moved within two points at third place yesterday, bracing themselves for a final-round shootout in the 40th Southern Ladies Open golf championship at the Cebu Country Club course here.

Chua and Roberto, who scored 51 points apiece in the first round, tallied 52 points each this time but De Guzman did better with 53, making it a three-cornered fight for the championship in the oldest lady golf event now celebrating its Ruby Anniversary.

Chua and Roberto both had a two-day aggregate of 103 points under the Stableford Scoring System. De Guzman was two points behind at 101 while Carmellete Villaroman was at 96 after 49 points.

The 26-year-old Chua, the winner in 2000 and 2001, survived a fat 40 in the front nine for a two-over-par 74 in a wooly second round that also saw Roberto fire a 74 after going through a roller-coaster trip.

Chua birdied three holes coming home, including the last hole for her 34 while Roberto finished birdie-birdie to offset a double bogey on 10 for a 37-37 effort.

The 32-year-old De Guzman rallied with a 73 for 53 after a mediocre 77 (48) in the first round.

Rounding up the Championship Division cast are Eva Miñoza of Del Monte 47-48-95, Lucy Landicho of Canlubang 48-46-94, Tracy Locsin of Southwoods 44-49-93, Stephanie Yu of Wack Wack 43-40-83, Hye Jung Kim of Del Monte 37-41-78.