Balasabas, Tanpinco pace RP Am qualifier

BACOLOD – Cangolf’s Jessie Balasabas sizzled with a two-under par 68 to pace the field in the 36-hole stroke play qualifier of the Philippine Amateur Golf Championship at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club here yesterday.

Balasabas, one of the key players in Canlubang’s romp in the recent PAL Interclub over the same par-70 layout, mixed four birdies against two bogeys as the former National Caddies Open champion assembled a 34-34 card.

That was two shots up on local bet Justin Limjap, who wavered coming home with a 37 and finished with an even par 70 while a host of others stood just a stroke or two behind as the battle for the top 32 slots is expected to heat up in the final 18 holes of the elims today.

Anya Tanpinco struggled with a three-over 73 on a course she calls home but it was enough to give her a two-stroke lead over Cebu’s Irina Gabasa and Sarah Ababa in the ladies side of the three-in-one tournament, conducted by the National Golf Association of the Phils., which also features the seniors division.

Gabasa made 37-38 while Ababa faltered with a 39 at the back to finish with a 75. Former RP Ladies Open winner Carmelette Villaroman and Sunshine Baraquiel, last year’s runner-up, shot identical 77s, while Lovelyn Guioguio of Del Monte turned in a 78.

Former national amateur champion Francis Gaston fired a 72 to post a four-stroke lead over Seve Roxas-Chua, carding a 76, in the seniors side of the tournament sponsored by the Philippine Sports Commission, Yamaha Golf Car and Tanduay Distillers, Inc.

Mark Fernando, another top Cangolf bet, made three birdies but fumbled with four bogeys as he settled for a one-over 71 and a share of third with NOGCC’s Chepe Dulay, who had a 36-35 round.

Anthony Saban led the ICTSI bets’ bid with a 72 for joint fifth with Baguio’s Chester Calpotura and Cangolf’s Mario Labajo, while Ferdie Aunzo, winner of two events in Malaysia recently, carded a 73 to join four others in eighth place.

Other three-over par scorers were Cebu’s JJ Alvarez, Riviera’s John Abdon, JR Tanpinco of NOGCC and Louie Mariano of Del Monte.

The top 32 players after the 36-hole elims will advance to the match play phase starting Friday with the winner in Sunday’s final clinching a spot in the national pool from where the members of the four-man national team will be selected.

The Philippines is gearing up for the Putra Cup in Singapore in August and the World Amateurs in Australia in November.