Dimayuga storms ahead of Singapore Open, cards 2nd 69

MANILA, Philippines – Filipino-British Enrique Dimayuga demonstrated remarkable consistency, overcoming a faltering Ivan Sablan to seize control of the Singapore Open Amateur Championship. He shot a second consecutive 69 and wrested a one-stroke lead at the Orchid Country Club composite courses Wednesday.

A solid performance featuring three birdies on the Aranda 9 side and two more birdies against a bogey on the tougher Dendro course, propelled Dimayuga to the top of the leaderboard with an eight-under 138, sparking hopes for another Filipino victory in Singapore’s premier amateur championship.

However, two impressive rounds do not guarantee victory, as Malaysian Rizq Adam Rohizam emerged as a challenger, scoring 139 after a 68. Another Filipino contender, Bobe Salahog, matched Dimayuga’s four-under score to tie with Australian Joseph Buttress, who also shot a 68, for third place at 140.

Thai Thanawin Lee, who started the round tied for second with Dimayuga, slowed down with a 72, dropping to fifth place at 141. Sablan struggled with a 77 after a lead-grabbing 68 Tuesday and fell to a tie for 11th at 144.

Jet Hernandez carded a 72 following a 73, sharing 14th place at 145, seven strokes behind Dimayuga, who aims to extend his winning streak in Singapore after recently achieving three consecutive individual championships with the University of Nevada.

Other Filipinos in the 72-hole championship, last won by a Filipino in 2004 through Michael Bibat, also made efforts to stay in contention. Jolo Magcalayo stood at joint 28th with a score of 150 after a 72, while Jacob Rolida shot a 75 following a 76, totaling 151.

In the women’s division, Grace Quintanilla faltered with a 75 after a 73, tying for fifth place at 148, seven strokes behind two-day leader Xington Chen, who scored a 141 after a 74. Malaysian Jing Xuen Ng, with a second 73, trailed by five shots at 146.

Samantha Dizon improved to a 76 following a 78, totaling 154, while Junie Gabasa carded a 77 for a 156, both making the cut at 160.