Carito tows 9 others into RP Open proper

Carito Villaroman sizzled with a four-under par 68 yesterday to top the two-day qualifying tournament for the Philippine Open Golf Championship at Wack Wack’s east course.

Together with his first round score of 72, Villaroman pooled a 140 as he towed nine other players, including five amateurs, into the tournament proper of the country’s premier golfing event slated Jan. 11-14, also at Wack Wack.

Hanson So Jr., who showed the way with a 71 in the first day, carded a 75 to finish second with a 146 while amateurs Louie Dacudao (77) and Jong Laput (76) took the next two spots with 149 and 150, respectively.

Cassius Casas, who bested an all local field to rule the 2001 RP Open, also at the Mandaluyong layout, recovered with a three-over 75 and safely made it to the event after an opening 79. He tied Rico Depilo, shooting a 76, for fifth with 154 in the event conducted by the National Golf Association of the Phils.

Benjie Sarmiento, another amateur, rallied with a 75 after an 80 to tie three others for the seventh to 10th positions at 155s. Other qualifiers were Marlon Dizon, who had a 76, and amateurs Kevin Tayao and Miko Alejandro, who both advanced despite a pair of 81s.

Failing to make the grade was club pro Antolin Fernando, who finished in joint 11th with amateurs Venjo Reyes (75) and Marcel Puyat (77) with 156 after a second 78.

The $300,000 RP Open, also Asia’s oldest championship, will serve as the kickoff leg of the 2007 Asian Tour.

Another set of qualifiers for the pros will be held in the first week of January at Sherwood.

Juvic Pagunsan, the tour’s top rookie in 2006, heads the local challenge as ace shotmaker Frankie Miñoza remains a doubtful starter after skipping the blue-ribbon event the last two years in favor of stints in the lucrative Japan PGA Tour.

But with the 2007 Japanese circuit not starting until April, officials of the Asian Tour are confident that they could invite Miñoza to play in the Open, won by Aussie Scott Strange last year.