Dulay takes charge in Visayas reg'l tilt

MANILA, Philippines - Chepe Dulay shot a two-under-par 68 to wrest a three-stroke lead over Paul Echavez at the start of the NGAP’s Visayas Regional Amateur Championship at the rain-drenched Marapara layout in Bacolod last Tuesday.

Dulay, 19, gunned down four birdies against two bogeys to emerge the lone player to break par over the challenging par-70 course.

Echavez carded a 71 while local bets Paul Venisica and Leandro Villanueva turned in identical 73s to stay within striking distance of the lead in the 72-hole tournament conducted by the National Golf Association of the Phils.

JR Tanpinco, runner-up to Ferdie Aunzo in the Philippine Amateur a couple of years back, turned in a 75 while former junior standout Justin Limjap and Migo Ochoa shot identical 74s in the tournament which stakes berths in the National Amateurs slated next month.

The event, sponsored by Pancake House and SOC Land and backed by Great Depot, Callaway and Odyssey Golf and Marapara, drew 16 caddies that came from the host club, Bacolod Golf and Country Club in Binitin, the Victorias Golf Club and Sta. Barbara in Iloilo, which Venisica represents.

Romy Pactolerin, a nephew of former Philippine Open champion Robert and playing out of Victorias, and Mark Anthony Fuentes both had 77s.

The top three placers coming from the region will earn all-expense-paid trips to Manila to play in the 2011 Philippine Amateurs slated April 12-15 at The Riviera in Silang, Cavite.