Zaragosa storms to one-shot edge

MANILA, Philippines - Rupert Zaragosa rebounded from a poor opening 76 with a superb three-under 69 to grab the lead in the second round of the Sta. Lucia Amateur Tour’s maiden leg at the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club in Gen. Trias, Cavite yesterday.

Zaragosa birdied the first three holes at the back of the Aoki layout where he teed off then tapped in for another birdie on the 16th to negate his bogeys on Nos. 15 and 17. He went on to gun down one more birdie at the front for that 69 and a 145.

He took a one-stroke lead over Raymart Tolentino, who also turned in a 69, while Carlo Villaroman matched par 72 for joint second at 146.

Brian Kim and Jelbert Gamolo, who shared the lead in the first round of the 54-hole tournament with 72s, sputtered with 76s to drop to joint fourth at 148 while Eagle Ridge bet Dan Emilio Cruz stood another shot farther back at 149 after a 72.

Carlo Gatmaitan made a 75 while Wei Wei Gao limped with a 76 for joint seventh at 150 in the event sponsored by Wilcon Depot, Pomelo Tee, Davies Paints and Gatorade.

Korean Jung Kyung Young shot an impressive 73 to pace the start of the men’s Class A category while compatriot Kim Jun Hyun posted an 81 to wrest the Class B lead.

Over at the Norman course, Harmie Constantino churned out a 74 for a 152 and took a big six-shot lead over Felicia Medalla (80-158) in the ladies championship while Jose Nepomuceno scored a 79 to show the way in seniors’ play.