Manalo, Asistio eye HK sweep

Tonton Asistio and Louise Manalo took charge in their respective divisions as the ICTSI bets primed up for a sweep of the 2008 Jockey Club Kau Sai Chau International Amateur Open in Hong Kong yesterday.

Asistio, fourth in last week’s Hong Kong Amateur Open, matched par 72 at the Kau Sai Chau’s north course and kept the lead at 143 for a four-stroke lead over compatriots Peter Villaber and Anthony Fernando.

Villaber, who co-led the first round with a 71, fumbled with a four-over 76 as he tumbled down to 147 in a tie with Fernando, who carded a two-over 74.

Steven Lam of Hong Kong made an even par for a 148 while Nicky Au, also of Hong Kong, stood eight shots behind at 152 after a 76.

Manalo, toughened up by her stint in the recent World Am, shot a second straight 73 for a 146 as she built a whopping eight-stroke lead over ICTSI teammate Chihiro Ikeda, who had a 152 after a 75.

Yik Ching Tam of Hong Kong had an 80 for a 154 while 19 shots behind was Mimi Ho, also of HK, who skied to an 81 for a 162.