Rates, Uy show way in Philippine Masters

MANILA, Philippines — Joenard Rates produced a rare two-eagle feat for a fiery seven-under 65 and a four-stroke lead over Jhonnel Ababa and young Korean Rho Hyun Ho at the start of the ICTSI Villamor Philippine Masters at the Villamor Golf Club yesterday.

Rates missed tying the course record set by Vic Santia in the late 1990s with a flubbed downhill putt from 12 feet on the par-5 18th. But his brilliant 34-31 highlighted by eagles on the par-5 No. 8 and the par-4 15th in sweltering heat proved enough to net him a big cushion in pursuit of a first Philippine Golf Tour crown since 2018.

Ababa also shot an eagle on the par-5 No. 2 but fumbled with three frontside birdies although he recovered in time with a four-birdie binge at the back to shoot a 69 and match flightmate Ho’s three-under card for joint second in the P2.5 million event.

Comebacking Toru Nakajima hit two late backside birdies for a 70 and a share of fourth with Reymon Jaraula, Nilo Salahog and back-to-back The Country Club Invitational champion Guido Van der Valk.

In the women’s side, Daniella Uy closed out with back-to-back birdies to break off a three-way tie and wrest a two-stroke lead over Chihiro Ikeda and Marvi Monsalve.

Uy’s strong start in the 54-hole, P1 million championship should augur well for her drive for a follow-up to her breakthrough win at Riviera-Langer in bubble setup in 2021.