Ababa's 66 nets Sabah golf crown

MANILA, Philippines - Jhonnel Ababa sizzled with a six-under par 66 to fashion out a two-stroke romp over compatriot Jerson Balasabas and Malaysian Nicolas Fung in the 25th Sabah Amateur Golf Championship at the Shan-Shui Golf Club in Tawau, Sabah yesterday.

It was a big come-from-behind victory for Ababa, who stood far from the lead with back-to-back 77s but surged ahead with that fiery 66 coupled with the erstwhile leaders’ faltering windup in the 54-hole tournament.

Ababa, many time member of the national team, wound up with a 220, two shots ahead of Calatagan teammate Jerson Balasabas, who had a 222 after a 76, the same output in by Fung.

Antonio Asistio emerged the top ICTSI performer in the annual event as he closed out with a 75 and finished with a 232 while Rufino Bayron, co-leader in the first round with a 69, fumbled with an 87 and a 78 and wound up with a 234.

Dante Becierra, the former Hong Kong Amateur Open winner, had a 235 after a 75 while Peter Villber carded a 76 for a 238. JR Arbole shot an 80 for a 244.