Garcia grabs 10-shot lead

Richie Garcia sizzled with a three-under-par 69 to storm ahead by 10 strokes after the penultimate round of the Philippine Amateur seniors championship at Riviera’s Couple course of the Riviera Golf and Country Club yesterday.

Starting the day two strokes behind Caloy Coscolluela, Garcia, the former Philippine Sports commissioner, played one of his best games in years to virtually clinch the crown.

He was at 146 with Coscolluela, who took the headstart with a 75, at 156. Jun Sarmiento was running third at 158 and Com. Danny Pizarro fourth at 159.

Meanwhile, Laurence Negrido turned back Cebuano Charles Hong, 4 and 3, yesterday to capture Class B honors in the National age-group championship grand finals at the Dye course of the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club in Gen. Trias, Cavite.

In the day’s final match, Michael Bibat prevailed over Don Padilla for the boys Class A plum.

Also winning their respective divisions in the tourney conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines and sponsored by the Philippine Golf Foundation, Philippine Sports Commission and Philippine Airlines were Jayvie Agojo (girls Class A), Miko Yee (boys Class C) and Holen Juan Superal (unisex 10 under).

Yee, playing out out of Southwoods, blasted John Victor Cogal to pits with an 8 and 5 victory while Superal edged Rei Medestomas, 2 and 1, in their 9-hole duel.