Gamolo, Langgamin stay on top

MANILA, Philippines - Jelbert Gamolo and Noel Langgamin matched two-under 70s to remain tied for the lead in men’s play while Harmie Constantino all but wrapped up the ladies crown with a 67 on the second day of the NGAP Mindanao regional golf tournament at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro City yesterday.

Gamolo and Langgamin traded pars and birdies in scorching heat as the Del Monte teammates, who opened with identical 73s Wednesday, pulled away from the pack with identical 143s to dispute the championship in the 54-hole event sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation.

Jovencio Lusterio carded a 73 after a 75 to fall five strokes off the pace at 148 heading to the final round of the 54-hole championship organized and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines.

Korean Nam Kyung-woo also rebounded with a 74 but stood too far behind at 154 while local bet Mel Cubillo limped with a 79 for a 156.

But while Gamolo and Langgamin braced for a shootout, Constantino primed herself up for a cruise as the Villamor ace followed up her solid four-under 68 with a brilliant 67 to pool a 135 for a whopping 13-shot lead over teammate Kristine Torralba, who had a 73.

Pamela Mariano carded a 76 for 151.

Alain Golez, meanwhile, seized control in the Mid-Am division with a 162 after an 80, 10 strokes ahead of Randy Arevalo, who made an 88 for a 172 in the tournament serving as part of the PLDT Group National Amateur Tour.

Clifford Celdran also zeroed in on the seniors crown with a 156 after a 76, 16 shots ahead of Edu Alaba, who carded a 78 for a 172.