Kim outclasses Sta. Lucia field, pulls away by seven

MANILA, Philippines - Brian Kim used a near-impeccable iron game to fire a one-under 71 and pull away by seven over Jelbert Gamolo after two rounds of the Sta. Lucia Amateur Series at the Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club in Davao yesterday.

Kim, who led the field despite a one-over 73 Thursday, proved sharp with his approach shots, netting back-to-back birdies from No. 7 to negate his lone bogey on the third. He, however, struggled a bit with his putting, missing a couple of birdie chances at the back.

Still, it was enough to put him way ahead of the pack with a 144 as Kim moved 18 holes away from gaining a slot in the Tournament of Champions set later this month.

“It would be exciting if I make it there,” said the 27-year-old Eagle Ridge bet, bracing for a fierce showdown with fellow Korean Park Min-ung and local ace Rupert Zaragosa in the finale at Beverly Place Golf Club.

Gamolo, who stayed just behind Kim in the first round with 74 at the tough Palos Verdes layout, remained at second but fell behind by seven at 151 after a six-over 77 in the event sponsored by Wilcon Depot, Pomelo Tee, Davies Paints, Mizuno and Kang Ho Bong.

Jerico Bajo took charge in Class A with a 77, one ahead of Ronald Galicia, who made a 78, while businessman Toffee Tionko stood another shot farther back at 79.

In Class B, Ian Dagatan and Nelson Ventura turned in identical 82s to post a one-shot lead over Wendell Adlao, who carded an 83, and two up on Dante Felizarta, who turned in an 84.

Jaime Tan Sr. and Japanese Kitamura Kinichi also geared up for a tight duel in seniors play with the former shooting a 74 and the latter just behind with a 75.

Maricel Kim, on the other hand, shot an 80 to pace the ladies side of the tournament backed by ICSI, AQEI, WGC Golf, Isuzu, Dizon Farms, Texas Eagle, Rub Ribs, VMJ Evergreen, Ecostrong, U-Freight, Gatorade, Dunlop, Boysen, Security Bank, Royale Homes and Microtel.