Kim, Lascuña wrest control as leaders falter

MANOLO Fortich, Bukidnon, Philippines — Young Kim Joo Hyung took over from compatriot Lee Song in moving day here at Del Monte, birdying two of the last four holes to fire a four-under 68 and catch veteran Tony Lascuña at the helm in the third round of the ICTSI Del Monte Championship yesterday.

Kim, who has dominated the country’s amateur championships the last two years and finished second to Song in the Philippine Golf Tour Q-School at Splendido last February, actually cashed in on a two-shot swing on the closing par-5 18th to tie Lascuña at eight-under 208 after the multi-titled Filipino shotmaker holed out with a bogey for a 69.

“I like my chances to be honest. I’m playing OK at the moment so I think I can just play my normal game and not think about anything. Then I’ll be fine,” said the 16-year-old Kim, the reigning Philippine Amateur Open champion who also won the WExpress RVF Cup last February.

Song, who stayed in command with Ira Alido in the first two rounds, carded a 72 and slid to second with American Nicolas Paez.