Zaragosa rolls ahead with 69

MANILA, Philippines — Rupert Zaragosa used a big start to shoot a 69, roll past erstwhile leader Joenard Rates and grab a view of the top halfway through the rich ICTSI Riviera Invitational Challenge at the Couples course in Silang, Cavite yesterday.

Barely 5-foot-2, the many-time national champion birdied three of the first four holes in a fiery start that somewhat cushioned the impact of a shaky two-birdie, two-bogey game in the last 11 holes as another diminutive shotmaker took over the leaderboard that remained crowded 36 holes into the resumption of pro golf after an eight-month long break due to pandemic.

In the Ladies PGT, Princess Superal slowed down with a 72 after a 67 but stayed safely ahead by five over rookie Abby Arevalo heading to the final round of the 54-hole championship.

“I hit it pretty good off the mound and got some good lies for approach shots,” said Zaragosa, whose opening 72 was marred by a double-bogey on No. 11.

Aware of the expected charge of the top guns in the last two rounds, the 23-year-old Zaragosa stressed the need to play it smart to gain a crack at the top P350,000 purse and a first pro crown which he blew when he lost in a five-man playoff in the PGT Asia Pradera Verde last January.