Quiban takes 1-shot lead; Ababa paces LPGT field

MANILA, Philippines —  Justin Quiban wasted no time announcing his Philippine Golf Tour comeback, braving blustery winds on a softened Summit Point layout to fire a seven-under 65 and grab a one-stroke lead over Angelo Que after yesterday’s opening round of the ICTSI Summit Point Championship in Lipa City.

Quiban birdied two of his first three holes, dropped a shot on No. 6, then closed strong with six birdies in his last 10 holes — including three straight from Nos. 13 to 15 and another on 18 for a back-nine 31.

Que refused to let him get away, carding a near-flawless 66 highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 14th and a 32 on the back nine to stay within one.

Aidric Chan, Jhonnel Ababa and Jeffren Lumbo shot 68s, while Jerson Balasabas, Gabriel Manotoc and Mars Pucay carded 69s.

In the P1-million ladies play, reigning Order of Merit champion Sarah Ababa emerged from swirling winds with a two-stroke lead with a gutsy one-over 71.

Harmie Constantino, Gretchen Villacencio and former Splendido Taal winner Tiffany Lee carded 73s to share second.