Nike teams pad Fil-Am leads

BAGUIO CITY — Nike Golf-Pacsports’ two teams again played with consistency yesterday to sustain their momentum after two rounds of the 72-hole 57th Fil-Am Invitational.

Mark Fernando toured the Camp John Hay Golf Club course with a two under par 67 — or 38 points — to pace the Nike Golf Pacsports in its bid for a three straight Fil Division championship.

National team player Jun Bernis and Boyet Zaragoza and Joseph Labajo backed him up with 37s for 149 to go with a first-day 146.

They move the nearby Baguio Country Club for the third round today with 295 and 11 points ahead of Manila Southwoods which carded 146 to be at 284.

Jessie Balasabas, the rookie from Zamboanga, played the nearby Baguio Country Club with 36 points, Dave Hernandez shot 33, Rufino Bayron carded 32 and Mario Labajo scored 30 to give the other Nike Golf Pacsports team with 131.

Together with their first-round 134, they shift to the John Hay layout today with 265, 23 points ahead of Manila Southwoods in their own bid to win the Am Division championship three in a row.

Manila Southwoods collected 146 at John Hay to go with its first round 138 to retain second place in the Fil Division championship with 284. It shot 118 for 24s and also retained second in the Am Division.

"If we keep our form and the lead tomorrow, I’m confident of winning again," Nike Golf-Pacsports team captain Tommy Manotoc told media. "These guys played well again."

Despite losing ground, Manila Southwoods skipper Thirdy Escano is still hopeful. "Tomorrow will be crucial and we have to make our move. If we clip their leads we still have a chance," he said.

Wilson Sports, Nike Golf Pacsports, Generali Pilipinas, San Miguel Corp., Asian Spirit, Ayala Land Inc., Ottica Eyewear, University of Baguio, Turf Co., Texas Instrument, Eva Air, U-Bix, Club Car, Travel Club, Bank of Philippine Islands, Riz Golf and Cell Pawnshop are the sponsors this year.

Each team is allowed to field five players, but only the top four scorers wil count each round.

Manila Southwoods scorers Fil Division yesterday were Mike Alejandro with 38, Jong Laput and Erwin Vinluan with 37s and the 34 of either Anthony Fernando or Tonton Asistio Jr.

Del Monte shot 125 to keep third place in the Fil Division with 259 followed by Eastridge 130-254, Mizuno 130-245.

Team Nueva Ecija carded 123 for 252 to lead the Fil Division Flight A with 252. Second was Forest Hills with 122 and 239. Camp Aguinaldo combined for 121 to place third with 238.