Aunzo one shot adrift in Mission Hills

Ferdie Aunzo fumbled with a bogey on No. 17 and slid to joint second with a one-under par 71 in the first round of the Mission Hills Asia-Pacific Amateur Open yesterday at the Mission Hills Golf Club in China.

Aunzo, the top ICTSI bet, bucked an opening bogey and chilly conditions with birdies on Nos. 3, 8 and 12 but missed gaining a share of the lead as he dropped a stroke on 17th and settled for a 35-36 card.

That was one-stroke behind Japanese Shingo Ito, who sizzled with a two-under 70 at the World Cup layout to seize control in the four-day championship.

Scot Gordon Yates also shot a 71 to catch Aunzo in second while Louie Sunga of Guam matched par 72 to place fourth.

Anthony Fernando carded a 74 while the other RP and ICTSI bets struggled with Mark Fernando turning in a 75 and Dante Becierra shooting a 76.