Canlubang seizes PAL Interclub lead

CEBU, Philippines - Defending champion Canlubang seized the lead in the Philippine Airlines Interclub seniors’ golf tournament following a spirited performance at the Club Filipino de Cebu course Saturday.

The Sugar Barons, gunning for their seventh title in eight years, collected 140 points to hike their total to 420, three points ahead of Luisita.

Cebu Country Club, just two points off the pace at the start of the day, struggled with 131 points, but kept the lead in the Founders’ division with 413 points.

Overnight leader Pueblo de Oro faded as expected, scoring a measly 116 points for 401 overall.

After being relegated to third spot in the first two days, Canlubang made its move through Mari Hechanova and Rene Unson who scored 49 and 48 points, respectively.

Hechanova made only one birdie against six bogeys, but was nevertheless happy to finish the round at five-over par.

“I did a good job on the greens today despite two three-putts off the fringe,” said Hechanova.

Canlubang’s third scorer was Bing Bunye who returned with 43 points. Tony Olives failed to count with 38.

No one from Luisita came close to matching Hechanova’s score, but managed to stay within arm’s length. Bong Sison fired 46, Lino Magpantay chipped in 45 and Pepot Inigo added 44 for Luisita’s 135 points.

In Sunday’s final round, Canlubang will pit Dave Hernandez, Rolly Viray, Luigi Yulo and Phillip Brodett against Luisita’s Richie Garcia, Minieng Maravilla, Bong Sison and Lino Magpantay.

CCC rested Ramontito Garcia and failed to match the firepower of Canlubang and Luisita.

Lor Alaan led the Cebuanos with 46 with Kim Kwang Seok and Nonoy Tirol adding 44 and 41, respectively.

With 413 points, the Cebuanos led Alta Vista by five points in the Founders division with Valley Golf a poor third with 396.

Meanwhile, Sharp Brotherhood stayed on top of the Friendship division.

The San Francisco-based squad collected 104 points to improve its total to 302, 10 points ahead of Fil-Am SFO.

Siena took third spot with 284 following a 103. Scoring for the team were Price Palarca 39, Jojo Madrigal 32 and Ramon Medalla 32.

Rounding out the top 10 standings were: Pittsburg (87-271), SFO Alliance (94-262), Mt. Malindang (82-261), Leyte (79-247), Skywest (63-238), Ft. Bonifacio (64-233), Moffet (81-231).

The event is being sponsored by the Department of Tourism, 105.1 Crossover, Solar Sports, Plantation Bay Resort and Spa, 92.3 FM Radyo 5, Araneta Coliseum and AXN. Major sponsors are Airbus, Manila Broadcasting Corporation, Philippine Broadcasting Network, People Asia, Radio Mindanao Network, Business Mirror and ABS-CBN The Filipino Channel (TFC).

Corporate sponsors include Radisson Blu Hotel, Shangri-La Resort & Spa, Boeing, Inquirer Golf Magazine, Philippines Graphic and Manila Bulletin. (FREEMAN)