Manotoc, Hirotaka match South Pacific record

MANILA, Philippines — Gab Manotoc delivered the kind of opening-round performance that could propel him into the Philippine Golf Tour spotlight, firing a bogey-free six-under 66 yesterday to catch Japan’s Kashihara Hirotaka at the top in the ICTSI South Pacific Classic at the South Pacific Golf Club in Davao City.

Long seeking to establish his own identity on the circuit while stepping out of the shadow of his illustrious father, Tommy Manotoc, Gab produced a timely surge on the front nine, rattling off five birdies to turn a modest start into a course-record-tying round.

Hirotaka, meanwhile, capitalized on windless conditions during his early start, catching fire on the front nine before negotiating a few rough patches on the way home to reach six-under first.

The pair’s opening-round scores equaled the course record from the gold tees, previously set by Rico Depilo, Tony Lascuña and Clyde Mondilla in earlier PGT tournaments.

Meanwhile, Chanelle Avaricio turned in a bogey-free four-under 68 to seize a one-stroke lead over a surging Rev Alcantara in the opening round of the Ladies PGT play.

Avaricio looked in complete control with a steady all-around game, then broke away from a crowded leaderboard with clutch birdies on Nos. 11 and 12. Her flawless round put her in prime position to chase a third victory this season.