Gaston opens title defense today

LIPA CITY — Francis Gaston opens defense of the Philippine Senior Amateur title today against a crack field that includes Luisita buddies Richie Garcia and Iggy Clavecilla at the Mount Malarayat here.

Garcia, Clavecilla and Gaston have won the last three editions of this event, which is organized by the NGAP and presented by ICTSI and San Miguel Corp. and backed by Aboitiz, Hanjin Group, Petron Blaze, Pagcor, PCSO, Philippine Airlines, the DOT and The Inns at the Malarayat.

The 56-year-old Gaston is still feeling some pain in his neck, caused by bone spurs hitting the nerve which slowed him down during the last Philippine Airlines Interclub.

But he is giving himself more than an even chance of repeating, with the course not as long and premium to be on the short game and putting.

Former President Fidel V. Ramos will hit the ceremonial drive at 7 a.m. and four other divisions will also start play.

Ramos will see action in the Super Senior II division, reserved for players who are 75 and above.

The age-group divisions (60-64, 65-69, 70-74 and 75 and above) will be played over 36 holes in the next three days.

Organizing National Golf Association of the Philippines officials seeing action in the event include president Benigno Gopez, vice-president Commodore Danny Pizarro and auditor Jun Galindez.

Rolly Viray, who debuted in the last Interclub in Bacolod, is also a player to watch, together with Caloy Coscoluella, Carlo Gamban and a host of others coming from the South.