Exciting battle looms in Coral golf

CEBU - It is going to be a battle of nerves going to the final two days of the 28th Coral Invitational at the Cebu Country Club as 10 teams are within two points from each other in the race for the overall title.

With swirling winds somewhat affecting the play along with the cold early morning weather, the first half of the field is expected to complete their final round today in this four-day, 36-hole event.

Still on top of the heap are the team of Benson Chua and Al Parson and the duo of Ruben Almendras and Leo Saberon with 82 points apiece in this two-man team event that uses the Modified Stableford Scoring System.

Lumped with 81 points each are five teams while four more have made 80 points each. 

Scoring 81 were the teams of Emmy Tesalona and Radi Abarintos, Enrique Farrarons and Alex Chiongbian, Jr., Jess Garcia and Nilo Seno, and Alvin Tan and Cesar Quiambao.

Shooting 80 points were the teams of Lor Alaan and Edwin Espina, Alberto ‘Frankie’ Bejar and Jun Dayot, Robert Limyutiong and Adonis Baluyot, and Jovi Neri and Andre Borromeo.

Also within striking distance of the leaders are the teams of Marcelo Tan and Reynaldo Chua, Ed Misa and George Generalao, and Jun Larrazabal and Ed Enriquez with 79 points each. One point further back are Tony Sikimhua and Danny Tolentino.

Eight teams scored 77 points – Ariel Cruz and Chito Villareal, Nelson Yuvallos and Donnie Suico, Mike Jo and James Tan, Kim Jae Eun and Rak Lee Eung, Edward Go and Francisco Acosta, Emmanuel Hortelano and Benjie Hortelano, Marlou Velasquez and Rod Señido, and Benson Dakay and Nestor Santillan.

The scoring format awards one point for a net one-over-par, two for net par, three for net one-under-par, four for net two-under-par, and five for a net three-under-par.

Hole-in-one prizes for the tournament that have been assigned to specific holes are a Suzuki Grand Vitara, a Skygo motorcycle, a Wilson golf set, a Rado wrist watch, and a golf cart.

In case more than one player wins a particular prize, it will have to be equally shared.

The final half of the field will complete their second round tomorrow and the awards ceremony will follow in the evening.   (THE FREEMAN)