MGC battles Riviera; Alabang faces Forest Hills in semis

Defending champion Manila Golf Club, just a step from a return trip to the title playoffs, hosts unpredictable Riviera today, seeking to get the decisive edge in their home-and-away showdown in the semifinals of the 2003 Federation Golf League.

The Forbes Park golfers are in for a tough outing against a solid and a very young Riviera crew, which they will be facing for the first time this season.

Alabang hosts pre-tournament favorite and eliminations topnotcher Forest Hills in the other semifinal encounter, also hardpressed to get the advantage they badly need.

All semifinal protagonists switch courses the next day.

Both Manila Golf and Forest Hills go into their semis dates fresh and raring to go after clinching the two outright seats in the Final Four for posting the best winning records in the eliminations.

Alabang and Riviera, on the other hand, are all fired up after pulling off come-from-behind wins in the quarterfinals. Alabang defeated Eastridge with a 3.5-.5 victory at home while Riviera shot down Eastridge via a 3-1 decision also at home.

As home matches are very crucial, Manila Golf and Alabang are hoping to make the most of their hosting rights if they are to boost their chances of making it all the way to the finals. MGC has not lost at home this season.

Alabang is pinning its hopes on its crack lineup of senior players led by reigning national champion Iggy Clavecilla and Caloy Coscolluela while Manila Golf aims to maximize its chances with a very balanced crew that includes Manoling Chan, Dennis Valdes, Richie Garcia and JP Reyes.

The winners this week will face off for the championship next week.

Riviera is aiming to reach the finals for the first time since winning the 1999-2000 editions back-to-back while Forest Hills, winner of the 2001 edition, is touted to be a tough nut to crack especially after its impressive home victories.