Monsalve clings to one-shot lead; Pauline forges tie

MANILA, Philippines —  Ryan Monsalve sputtered in a frontside finish, missing the opportunity to replicate his first-round performance and turning the chase for the ICTSI Villamor Philippine Masters crown into a wild, furious battle.

Despite the setback, Monsalve managed to grab the lead at four-under 140. But his inability to build a commanding cushion left him vulnerable in an anticipated charge from Angelo Que and a mix of contenders heading into the pivotal round of the P2-million championship, the fourth leg of this year’s Philippine Golf Tour.

“I didn’t feel like I played too badly, I just ended up with a bogey and a double bogey,” said Monsalve, reflecting on his costly mistakes on the closing holes.

Meanwhile, Pauline del Rosario emerged slightly steadier than Harmie Constantino and Florence Bisera in a turbulent finish, salvaging a gritty 73 to forge a three-way tie for the lead heading into the final 18 holes of the ICTSI Ladies Villamor Philippine Masters yesterday.

Del Rosario, trailing for much of the round, limited her mistakes to just one bogey in the last four holes, finishing with a 37-36 and putting herself in contention for another Tour crown.

Constantino, who erased a three-stroke deficit overnight with a frontside 35, faltered down the stretch and settled for a 74.