Alta Vista resumes chase in SL Tour

MANILA, Philippines - Standings after first leg: Rancho Palos Verdes-Davao 46, Eagle Ridge-Cavite 37, Alta Vista-Cebu 34, Summit Point-Batangas 27, Royale Tagaytay 24, Orchard-Cavite 20, Beverly Place-Pampanga 18, Lakewood-Cabanatuan 16, Caliraya Springs 10

Reigning titlist Alta Vista takes its chance to reverse the tide in the chase for the overall championship when the Cebuanos host the second leg of the Sta. Lucia Tour on Oct. 3-4 at Alta Vista’s rolling course in Pardo, Cebu.

After falling into third place in last month’s kick-off leg in Davao behind traditional rivals Rancho Palos and Eagle Ridge, Alta Vista hopes to come up with its usual strong surge at home and keep itself in the hunt for the prestigious Club of the Year honor.

The top three clubs are separated by just nine points or less and the middle stop in the Visayas is usually crucial as they position themselves heading into two-stage Luzon leg in November.

Resiliency is the key for the three big contingents among the nine teams participating in the 10th staging of the course-hopping series put up by real estate giant Sta. Lucia for clubs it developed and operate with joint venture partners.

As the frontrunner by nine points with 46 in the first phase of skirmishes, Palos Verdes is eyeing to solidify its position against the expected surge of Eagle Ridge which has 37 and Alta Vista (34).

Not much is expected from the six other clubs which are focusing on the group and individual titles at stake in the inter-club meet backed by Hyundai, Autohub, Wilson, LG Electronics and Philippine Airlines. Marriott-Cebu, Marco Polo Hotel-Davao and Bellevue Manila are the official hotels.

Participants from Summit Point (27), Royale Tagaytay (24), Orchard (20), Beverly Place (18), Lakewood (16) and Caliraya Springs (10) are out to deny the three traditional powerhouses monopoly of the group and individual trophies.

Beverly made quite an impact in its debut with Class C individual champion Michael John Mangio delivering the goods.

The final leg will be co-hosted by Summit Point and Eagle Ridge on Nov. 6-7.