Murakami, Jerome survive sudden death

Reigning champion Artemio Murakami and Jerome Delariarte pulled off thrilling sudden death victories over Yayi Escuadro and Cookie La'O, respectively, to tow six others into the quarterfinal round of the Philippine Amateur golf championship at the Alabang Country Club yesterday.

Murakami watched Escuadro flub a three-foot par-putt on the third playoff hole to set a quarterfinal round meeting with DHL champion Gerard Cantada, who beat Chu Cho Martinez, 3 and 2.

Delariarte, on the other hand, sank a pressure-packed eight-foot birdie putt on the sixth playoff hole to turn back La'O and arrange a clash with veteran Iggy Clavecilla, who scored a 1-up victory over Jojo Tiongko.

Also advancing are last year's runner-up Angelo Que, who posted the day's biggest rout via a 6 and 4 win over Balte Baltazar, although he will be facing a tough rival in elims co-topnotcher Juvic Pagunsan, who disposed of Louie Dacudao, 4 and 3.

Completing the quarterfinal cast are JR Tanpinco, who thumped Ben Miñoza, 1-up, and Marlon Dizon, who trounced Jun Cedo, 2-up.