Fernando wavers, drops to share of lead

MANILA, Philippines -  Mhark Fernando cracked under scorching heat and scrambled to salvage a one-under par 71, enabling Malaysian Mohd Iylia Jamil to gain a share of the lead with a 68 halfway through the Malaysian Amateur Open at the Damai Laut Golf and Country Club in Lumut, Perak, Malaysia late Friday.

Fernando, who paced the field with a 67 Thursday, went three-under after 15 holes but succumbed to heat near the end of the round in a late afternoon tee-off, bogeying Nos. 16 and 18 and settling for a 71 and a 36-hole haul of 138.

Jamil matched that output with the day’s best score of 68 while ICTSI-The Country Club’s Peter Villaber fired a second straight 71 to remain in the thick of things with a 142 for a share of third with local bet Gavin Green, who had a 73.

“The course condition is tough and I hit a few loose shots near the end of my round,” said the 28-year-old Fernando, spearhead of the ICTSI-Cangolf squad. “I’m glad to still have a share of the lead and look forward to a better round tomorrow (today).”

Meanwhile, ICTSI team mainstay Lovelynn Guioguio carded a 74 and stood two shots behind Thai ace Yupaporn Kawinpakorn, who matched par 72, at the start of the ladies competition.

Sharon Lau made a 73 to trail Kawinpakorn by one while local bet Iman Mohd Nordin tied Guioguio in third with a 74 followed by SEA Games individual gold medalist Chihiro Ikeda, who shot a 75 in a tie with Michelle Koh.

Sheryl Villacencio and Anya Tanpinco, however, struggled with 81 and 82, respectively, and in danger of missing the cut in the 54-hole tournament.

Albin Engino shot a 71 and moved up to joint sixth at 146 with ICTSI-Cangolf teammate Jessie Balasabas, who matched par 72, while Paul Echavez, solid with a 68 in the first round, skied to an 80 and tumbled down to 10th at 148.

Other RP bets who made the cut at 158 were Jobim Carlos (71-149), Miguel Tabuena (74-150), Jhonnel Ababa (77-150), Art Arbole (80-150) while reigning national champion Clyde Mondilla recovered from an earlier 80 with a 73 for a 153 in a tie with Sonny Villaber (80). Zanie Gialon also had an 80 for a 154.