Jhonnel Ababa frolicked at the backside with two birdies and went on to fire a three-under par 69 as he posted a two-stroke lead over Tonton Asistio halfway through the ninth Canlubang Amateur Open Golf Championship at the Cangolf’s north course yesterday.
Ababa, seeking a second straight championship in the annual event hosted by Cangolf, shot two birdies against a bogey at the frontside then played true to form on his home course with two birdies in a bogey-free stint at the backside for a 35-34 card.
Counting his earlier 74, Ababa jumped from joint third to the solo lead with a 143, two shots ahead of Asistio, who took the cudgels for the ICTSI bets after erstwhile leader Anthony Fernando fumbled with a four-over 76 and tumbled down to fourth at 148.
Asistio, the best performer in the recent Putra Cup who like Ababa failed to make it to the RP team currently competing in the World Amateurs, also sizzled at the back with two birdies in the last five holes as he turned in a 70 for a 145.
Joey Huerva dropped a shot on the 16th and missed joining Asistio in second, settling for a 71 for a 146, three strokes off the lead with two rounds left in the tournament supported by Seamecor Inc., Nature’s Spring, Unilever Food Solutions, Zuellig Pharma Phils., Pacsports, Ayala Land Premier, Pisanti Golf, Otsuka Pharmaceuticals and All Visual and Lights Systems.
Fernando struggled with two 38s and fell to fourth at 148 in a tie with ICTSI teammate and last year’s runner-up Peter Villaber, who had a 75.
A stroke farther back at 149 were Brent Sumampong (73), Choi Min Sik (72) and Sonny Villaber (70), while Mark Fernando continued to grope for form with a 77 for a 152 in a tie with Dante Becierra, who had a 78.
Meanwhile, the battle in other classes starts today with Class A and ladies divisions set at the north course while the Classes B, C and D to be held at the adjacent south layout.
Turf Company-Texas Eagle is also offering prizes for hole-in-one feats on No. 4 at south course and No. 6 at north course while Club Car is also putting up a prize for an ace on south’s No. 8.