Coscolluela two shots up in opener

Reigning champ Caloy Coscolluela bucked a string of early miscues to salvage a three-over-par 75 for a two-stroke lead over Richie Garcia in the opening round of the Philippine Amateur Seniors Open golf championship at the Couples course of the Riviera Golf and Country Club.

Coscolluela, sports and games division manager of the Alabang Country Club, was already three over after the first six holes. But he played the remaining golf at even par to put himself alone at the top of the leaderboard.

Putting himself close to his fellow Negrense was former Philippine Sports commissioner Richie Garcia whose 77 was highlighted by three consecutive birdies from the 14th hole.

Tied at 78 were.Balty Baltazar, Pete Cervantes and Jun Sarmiento while two solid picks, OV Espiritu and Carlo Gamban, were not too far back at 79.

Michael Bibat and DJ Padilla forged a showdown for the boys Class A plum by pulling off impressive victories in the semifinals yesterday.

In other title matches today, Jayvie Agojo battles Katrina Gonzales for the girls Class A crown, Lawrence Negrido goes up against Thomas Escano for the boys Class B title, Geleen Handog squares off with Remijin Camping for the girls Class B plum, Miko Uee challenges provincial bet Faisal Samanodi for Class C and Rei Medestomas battles Holen Juan Superal in Class D.

The national age-group is sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippine Golf Foundation and Philippine Airlines.