John Kier, Dottie top seeds in match play

MANILA, Philippines - John Kier Abdon fired a two-under 70 to claim the low medal honors in the men’s division while Dottie Ardina took the top seeding in the ladies side with another 76 at the close of the 36-hole elims of the Philippine Amateur (Closed) Championship at Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Cavite yesterday.

Abdon rammed in five birdies against three bogeys for that 70 and a 144 aggregate, sweeping past first round leader Jonar Austria for the top spot and a duel with Mel Cubillo at the start of match play today.

Cubillo made an 82 for a 165 to grab the last berth in the 16-player field of the event serving as the third leg of the Globe Amateur Golf Circuit and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Phils.

Austria slowed down with a 77 and settled for No. 2 with a 150 for a clash with Don Petil, who also had a 165 after an 82 while Reymon Jaraulla finished third at 152 after a 78 for a showdown with Manfred Guangko, who shot an 80 for a 165.

Ardina had four bogeys in a birdie-less round but still clinched the No. 1 berth with a 152. The top ICTSI bet faces veteran Eva Miñoza in the knockout phase of the tournament backed by Suntrust Properties, Inc., Airphil Express, Titleist (Empire Golf), Pancake House, Golf Depot and official hotel Microtel Suites.

Sunshine Baraquiel also made a 76 and wound up with a 156 to gain the No. 2 seeding against No. 7 Jan Punzalan, who had a 173 after an 86.

Jayvie Agojo rebounded with a 74 from an 85 for a 159 as she took the third spot against No. 6 Apple Fudolin, who had a 168 after an 83.

Lovelynn Guioguio, winner of the Philippine Amateur Open, finished fourth with a 161 after a 74 and will slug it out with Rainstar Roque, who made an 82 for a 166.

Dennis Gonzales also ran away with the low medal in the mid-amateur division, shooting a second straight 78 for a 156 while Aian Arcilla and Raymond Bunquin took the next two spots with 162 and 164 after a 78 and 80, respectively.

In seniors play, top seed Lino Magpantay drew a bye with No. 2 Bing Bunye clashing with No. 7 Jose Vilchez, Kinichi Kitamura colliding with Ryan Abdon and Caloy Coscolluela squaring off with Bonifacio de Castro.