The tandem of Jeric Hechanova and Marty Ilagan underscored the Blue Eagles’ dominating performance so early in the tournament as it smothered the fancied pair of Tommy Manotoc and Abe Rosal and came away with a 3 & 2 victory.
Hechanova said their local knowledge of the tough 7,265-yard Jack Nicklaus-designed layout helped them carry out the mission although the La Salle side remained confident of striking back in the last two rounds.
"Our familiarity with the course carried us through," said Hechanova, corporate director of the Fil-Estate group of companies.
Truly, the Blue Eagles scored victories in similar fashions — via rout — as Jun Jun Plana and Mark Lopez posted a lopsided triumph over King Stehmeier and JP Reyes, 6 & 5 and Iggy Clavecilla and Yoyong Velez thumped the pair of Hanson So Jr. and Francis Gaston, 4 & 3.
Despite the shaky start, La Salle remains hopeful of its chances.
"This is just the first round. We still have two more days and with Sangil and Celestino’s win, sana magtuloy-tuloy na ito," said La Salle skipper Richie Garcia.