Salvador wrests title vs charging Lascuna

TRECE MARTIRES, Cavite , Philippines  – Elmer Salvador exerted just enough effort to overcome the blistering challenge of Tony Lascuna, firing a three-under 69 for a three-stroke victory in the P2.5 million ICTSI Sherwood Hills Classic here yesterday.

Challenged all day by Lascuna’s hot final-round assault, Salvador kept his cool, shooting four birdies against a bogey to close out with a winning 12-under 276 total.

Successfully defending the title he won in the same layout last year, the 42-year-old former Order of Merit champion pocketed a cool P450,000 purse in this 72-hole championship serving as the third leg of the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour.

“Hindi ako kinabahan. Sanay na tayo dyan (I didn’t get nervous. I’m used to that),” said Salvador, who displayed unassailable poise in   facing the tremendous pressure put up by Lascuna.

Lascuna, a strong third-place finisher in the Philippine Open in Wack Wack last February, fired a 67, rallying to within a stroke off Salvador after the 16th hole on a barrage of birdies and an eagle on No. 4.

A missed birdie-putt on No. 13 and bogeys on Nos. 14 and 16 slowed down Lascuna’s charge, though.

Lascuna could’ve drawn even if not for his bogey on the 16th which Salvador double-bogeyed.

Salvador won by three in the end on a closing birdie-birdie romp.

“Naitaas ko kamay ko dun sa 17th kasi alam ko pag na-birdie ko yun tapos na (I raised my hand in victory on the 17th knowing it’s over if the birdie went in),” said Salvador.

Lascuna wound up with a 67-279 for second place worth P320,000 plus the positive vibe that he is close to ending his four-year title drought.

“Muntik na (Almost),” said Lascuna.

Jay Bayron also came through with a 67, the day’s best score, that catapulted him from out of nowhere to solo third place with a 283 total. He earned P210,000 in this tournament backed by Sharp, Nike Golf, Callaway, Titleist, Srixon, Custom Clubmakers, Mizuno and Foot Joy.

Casius Cassas, who was running second and four strokes off the pace going into the last day, limped to a 75 and wound up with a 286, tied with Roberto Bernis Jr., who carded a 70, at No. 4.

Charles Hong shot a 71 to end up with a 287 at solo No. 6, followed by Reynaldo Pagunsan (68), Mhark Fernando (69) and rookie pros Clyde Mondilla (73) and Zanie Boy Gialon (72) at 292.

LJ Go, meanwhile, emerged the Best Amateur with a 77-295.