S'bridge-Mizuno final duel up

BAGUIO, Philippines  – Mizuno bounced back strong at Camp John Hay and pooled a 131 to move within one off Seabridge Che’lus I, setting the stage for a final round shootout in the centerpiece Fil Championship of the Fil Am Invitational tournament here yesterday.

Richard Joson took charge for the two-time champion with a two-over 71 worth 34 Stableford points while skipper King Stehmeier added a 33 and Jung Soo Park and Rodel Mangalubnan tossed in 32 points apiece for a 131 and a 54-hole aggregate of 377.

The Guamanians, who seized an eight-point lead over the first day leaders halfway through at the nearby Baguio Country Club, struggled with a 124 but kept a one-point lead with a 378 heading to the last 18 holes of the event sponsored by Toyota, also at John Hay.

“We executed our plans well,” said Stehmeier, whose three-day total of 100 gave him a one-point lead over Mike Castro, who shot a 27 and did not count for Seabridge, in the individual competition.

“It’s going to be a battle,” said Castro, who shot a one-under 60 for 37 at BCC to fuel Seabridge’s second day charge.

With Castro out of the scoring picture, Karl Pangilinan stepped up to lead with 34, while Darly Po, Louie Sunga and Ray Blas added 31, 30 and 29 points, respectively, in the five-to-play, four-to-count tournament backed by Pacsports, Illy, Empire and Wilson.

“It’s going to be a shootout,” said Sunga.

“We have to maintain our strategy and hopefully we will bring home the trophy,” said Stehmeier. “It would also be nice if I win back-to-back individual crowns.”

Meanwhile, Rey Talatala scored 30 points as Ultra Flite GC I assembled a 111 for a 411 total and ran away with the Fil B crown.

Butch Bakunawa had 29 while August Cruz and Dennis Nicomedes added 26 points each for Ultra Flite GC I.

Mamala Bay closed out with 105 for second at 394 while Davao Eagle Masters placed third with a 376 after a 93.

Baguio City Golf Team II, with Herr Bautista firing 32 points, made a 94 for a 330 aggregate as it beat dislodged three-day leader Ultra Flite GC II, which had an 81 and 327, to snatch the Fil E title.

Moises Guevarra shot a 22, Inoc Laranag had a 21 and Tony Tactay chipped in 19 points for the local squad.

Actor Tonton Gutierrez led Ultra Flite with 25 points as the team nipped Capitol Hills GC, which also had a 327 after an 87, in the countback for runner-up honors.

Fifth man Bobby Rasuman outscored Boy Roman, 15-11, to clinch second place for Ultra Flite.

Baguio Ventures II slowed down with 84 points for a 377 but still romped off with the Am B plum.

Greenwater Meadows I had an 86 for a 350 for second while Guam Kool Swingers finished third with a 341 after a 73.

Fil-Golfers of Honolulu topped Am E as Henry Luna and Elly Coloma shot 25 points each for a 78 and a 329, 11 points ahead of Veterans GC, which had a 74 for a 318.

Team Surigao settled for third place with a 295 after a 63.     

Other backers of the event are Fashion Rack, Air 21, Rizgolf, Supreme Bike, GPS Tracker, Golforce, San Miguel, Le Chef, Camp John Hay Development Corporation, Beaufort and Bayan Business.