Nakajima fires 70, bags lead in Samsung Tour

Japanese expatriate Toni Nakajima rallied with a 34 in the back nine for a two-under-par 70 that installed him the new leader halfway through the championship division event of the Samsung Amateur Tour’s kickoff leg yesterday at the Legends course of the Manila Southwoods Golf and Country Club.

After opening his bid with an even-par 72, Nakajima played steady golf again at the course he calls home to seize a two-stroke lead over former national player Gene Bondoc with a 142 aggregate, two under par, Bondoc shot an even-par 72 for the second straight day for 144.

Michael Bibat, the youthful first round leader, struggled with a two-over 38 in the back nine and finished with a 74, falling into a three-way tie for third with Mark Lopez (73) and Lyndon Barril (73).

All the top five players are members of the Southwoods stable of talents.

Only 11 of the original 22 starters made it to the final two rounds of play. Also making it ware Kim Chang Hoi (74-147), jungolfers Aran Olea (78- 150) and John Kier Abdon (75-151), Jay Bayron (75-151), Miko Yee (74-152) and Mari Hechanova (78-152).

The Samsung Amateur Tour is co-sponsored by Tokyo Tokyo, Gatorade, Philippine Airlines as the official carrier, Adidas Taylor Made, KZG by Custom Clubmakers, Pink Patio Boracay, Coppertone Sport and Rogin-E. Media partners are Killer-Bee, Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9, 99.5 RT and 103.5 K-Lite.

Tommy Manotoc, who had a disastrous 83 in the first round, charged back with a 70 but fell short by a stroke, missing the cut like 10 others. Also tumbling out was reigning national seniors champion Iggy Clavecilla who could only score an 86-163.

Mari Hechanova and Yee made it as the last two qualifiers by a mere stroke over Manotoc and reigning Southwoods club champion Bong Brobio (74) who both wound up at 153.

Meanwhile, the 36-hole competitions in Classes A, B, C and D for men and Classes A, B and C for ladies get going today.

The top three players in each class after tomorrow’s final round in all divisions will receive appliances from the sponsoring Samsung Electronic Philippines.