Shin pulls away; Avaricio, Kim share Rd 2 lead

MANILA, Philippines —  Micah Shin shrugged off a shaky backside start with a timely birdie-par-eagle finish before keeping his momentum at the Apo Golf and Country Club’s frontside to card a 68 and tighten his grip on the ICTSI Apo Golf Classic lead yesterday.

Shin, who ruled the season-opening The Country Club Invitational last January, assembled a 12-under 132 halfway total to pull clear of the field and put himself on course for a second major win on the local circuit.

“I think if I just hit it well, I have a really good chance,” said Shin. “Yeah, I mean, it’s my home course, so it feels comfortable.”

South Pacific winner Clyde Mondilla fired a second 69 for solo second at 138 and Sean Ramos also turned in a three-under card for a 139. Longshots Jeremy Tandoy and Kim Tae Soo matched 70s for joint fourth at 140.

Meanwhile, Kim Seoyun delivered the decisive late punch in a gripping battle with Chanelle Avaricio, birdieing the closing hole to fire a 71 and force a tie for the lead in women’s play.

Kim erased a one-stroke overnight deficit with an early birdie, then displayed nerves of steel with a string of gutsy pars. Avaricio, meanwhile, endured a mid-round struggle.

With an experienced campaigner like Avaricio standing in her way, Kim is bracing for a fierce battle in the final round. Rather than dwell on the pressure of the occasion, she intends to savor the moment and stay focused on her game.

“I would try to embrace the moment,” she said.