Aunzo closes with 68, gains top seeding

BACOLOD – Ferdie Aunzo came charging back with a two-under 68 to win the low medal honors in the 36-hole stroke play qualifying of the Philippine Amateur Golf Championship at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club here yesterday.

Aunzo, who had a so-so 73 in the first round, strung up nines of 33-35 then watched erstwhile leader Jessie Balasabas flounder at the back with a 39 to grab the top seeding in the match play phase of the event beginning today.

Balasabas, who paced the field with a 68 Wednesday, struggled with a 73 and wound up tied with Aunzo for first at 141. But the latter, coming off two victories in Malaysia the last two weeks, took the No. 1 spot with his 68.

Aunzo faces local bet Joeleo Torrecampo (79-153), who grabbed the last spot at No. 32 in a playoff, while Balasabas takes on Iloilo’s Junie Visineca (77-153) in the two featured flights kicking off the match play event.

Anya Tanpinco scored an expected romp in the ladies side as she closed out with a 72 to win the low medal honors with a 145, five clear of Cebu’s Irina Gabasa, who clinched the No. 2 seeding in the match play with a 150 after a 75.

Sarah Ababa, an emerging talent from the ICTSI golf stable, finished No. 3 with a 78 for a 153 followed by former RP Ladies Open winner Carmelette Villaroman (78-155), Lovelyn Guioguio of Del Monte (78-156), Sunshine Baraquiel of Southwoods (80-157), Marian Woo (81-163), Kristine Leonen (80-163), Abby Olea (82-164) and Eva Miñoza (82-167).

Meanwhile, Cangolf’s Rolly Viray nipped former national champion Francis Gaston after 19 holes for a 1-up victory to arrange a showdown with Caloy Coscoluella for the seniors crown in the event sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Yamaha Golf Car and Tanduay Distillers, Inc.

Coscoluella held off Seve Roxas-Chua, 1-up, in the other semis encounter.

Defending champion Anthony Fernando came through with a 73 and had to settle for No. 17 at 149 to arrange an early showdown of teammate Tonton Asistio (69-149) in the first round of match play conducted by the National Golf Association of the Phils.

Riviera’s John Kier Abdon matched par 70 to finish third with a 143, nipping Cangolf’s Mario Labajo, who had a 71-143, while former national team member Erwin Vinluan also made a 71 to grab the No. 5 seeding.