RP golfers pace World Cup elims

MANILA, Philippines - Angelo Que and Mars Pucay sizzled in the four-ball format and came away with a stirring 11-under par 60 as the Philippines opened a four-shot lead over Singapore at the start of the World Cup Asian qualifier at the par-71 Seri Selangor Golf Club in Petaling Jaya, Malaysia yesterday.

Que and Pucay, who placed second here last year then went on to finish joint 10th in the World Cup proper in China, kicked off their bid with back-to-back birdies from No. 2 then racked up four straight birdies from No. 5 to make the turn at 30.

The Filipino duo missed a couple of birdie putts in the first two holes at the back, knocked down a seven-footer on No. 12 before coming up with another four-birdie binge from No. 14 for another 30 in the better-ball format.

The Singapore pair of Lam Chih Bing and Mardan Mamat actually made a more impressive start of five straight birdies from No. 2, added two more in the next six holes but failed to save par on the par-5 No. 13 before birdying No. 16 to finish with a seven-under 64.

Malaysia, bannered by Iain Steel and Danny Chia, shot a five-under 66 to place third in the 13-team field chasing the top three berths in the World Cup.

Hong Kong also stayed in the hunt by matching Malaysia’s 66 while Myanmar turned in a 67 for fifth.

The Filipino bets’ flawless start thus gave them a big cushion heading into the second day of action where play shifts to foursomes (alternate shot) format.

Pakistan carded a three-under par 68 for sixth followed by Indonesia and Bangladesh, which both had 69s, and Nigeria and Sri Lanka, which turned in identical 70s.

A total of 28 nations will make up the final teams to play in the World Cup slated Nov. 26-29 where they will shoot for a total prize of $5.5 million.

Robert Karlsson and Henrik Stenson of Sweden are defending champions.