Rookie Avena posts record 15-shot romp

MANILA, Philippines -  Rookie Abe Avena capped his domination of the veterans as he closed out with an even par 72 to fashion out a 15-stroke victory over Rolly Viray in the Philippine Seniors Amateur Golf Championship at Mt. Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas yesterday.

Avena, who opened up with a two-under 70 and pulled away by 10 despite a 72 Thursday, wound up with a 214, becoming the first winner to post an under-par total in the annual event organized by the National Golf Association of the Phils.

“I am very happy because not only did I win, but some of the guys here are telling me that I won in record fashion,” said Avena, a former five-time club champion at Malarayat.

Viray, the Canlubang Golf club manager, actually struck back in the early and moved within seven with a 34, only to lose steam, limping with a 43 and a 77 for 229.

Former national champion Francis Gaston also made a 77 and ended up third at 233 in the 54-hole tournament presented by the MVP Sports Foundation as part of the PLDT Group Amateur Tour.

Calatagan Golf club manager Dave Hernandez, also a former champion, placed fourth at 234 after a 78 while Montito Garcia of Cebu Country Club finished fifth at 235 after an 80.

Norman Dela Peña, meanwhile, rallied to card a 74 and nip two-day leader Chang Young-hi for the Mid-Am championship in the event backed by the Philippine Sports Commission, Club Car and Pacsports.

Dela Peña wound up with a 223, overhauling a four-stroke deficit as Chang skied to an 80 and ended up with a 225. Ivan Ferreras placed third at 230 after a 73.