Salahog, Quiban share lead through 36 holes

DAVAO City, Philippines — Nilo Salahog hit a clutch birdie to save a 68 yesterday and re-join Justin Quiban at the helm midway through the ICTSI South Pacific Classic here.

Salahog, who stunned the big guns with a superb 67 last Tuesday, had a four-birdie run in the first 12 holes then rebounded from a miscue on No. 13 with another birdie on the 17th. That left him tied with the red-hot Quiban at nine-under 135.

Quiban put in a solid 67 after a 68 in his steady pursuit of another Philippine Golf Tour victory since winning in Binitin, Negros Occidental and the PGT Asia at Luisita in 2018.

Salahog is chasing his maiden triumph on the Tour put up by ICTSI.

Marvin Dumandan seized solo third at 137 after shooting an eagle-aided 68 while Iloilo leg runaway winner Rupert Zaragosa bounced back with a four-under card for a 138.

Tony Lascuña wheeled back into contention with his own 68 for a 139 while fellow Davaoeño Elee Bisera shot a four-under card to move to solo sixth at 140.

Cebu-based Japanese Gen Nagai carded a 70 to tie Keanu Jahns and Dino Villanueva, who matched 72s, at 141 while locals Elmer Salvador, who fired a 70, and Jay Bayron and Ferdie Aunzo, who matched 71s, pooled identical 142s.

Three-peat seeking Clyde Mondilla continued to struggle with a 71 after a 72 for a 143, eight strokes behind the joint leaders.