Celestino grabs 2-shot lead in Philex-NGAP tilt

MANILA, Philippines - Lawrence Celestino used a solid frontside stint to cushion the impact of a shaky finish as he fired a two-over 63 to grab a two-stroke lead over Gabriel Manotoc and LJ Go in the second round of the Philex Northern Luzon Regional Championships at the Baguio Golf and Country Club here yesterday.

One shot behind LJ Go and RJ Talud after the morning first round, Celestino birdied Nos. 8 and 9 for a 31 to tie Go, who made the turn at 32, then surged ahead with another birdie on the 10th in the afternoon play. He fumbled with four bogeys in row from No. 12 and dropped another shot on the 17th but remained on top as the rest likewise struggled on the tricky backside of the short par-61 layout.

Celestino pooled a 128 aggregate for a two-shot lead over the 15-year-old Manotoc, who took the challenger’s role with a closing 31 for a 65 and a 130 heading to today’s final round of the 54-hole championship presented by top mining corporation Philex and sponsored by Pancake House, Titleist by Empire Golf, Pacsports and Golf Depot.

Go, from Cebu, bogeyed the last three holes and wound up with a 66 in a tie with Manotoc, while erstwhile co-leader Talud skied to a 68 and tumbled down to fourth at 132.

With Raymond Gonzales Jr. failing to strike back with a 71 for a 136 and the rest shooting high scores at the tricky layout, the battle for top honors has been reduced to a four-man affair.

Daniella Uy strung up nines of 35-33 for a 68 as she opened a four-stroke lead over Dana Gonzales, who made a 72, in the 36-hole ladies competition with Bianca Pagdanganan and Sam Martinez carding identical 73s.

Felix Pascual took the lead in the Mid-Amateur class with a 66, two shots ahead of Manny Solis, who had a 68 while Rafael Ding turned in a 70 for third in the tournament sanctioned by the National Golf Association of the Phils. and serving as part of the Globe Amateur Golf Circuit.

Fred Puckett shot a 70 and posted a whopping eight-stroke lead over Mariano Ang, who made a 78, in the Seniors Division with Johnny Fagyan staying way off at 90 in the event held as part of the birth centenary of BGCC founder Nanoy Ilusorio.