Bayron leads; tight race up for last berths

MANILA, Philippines - Rufino Bayron scrambled with a one-over par 72 then pounced on ICTSI teammate and erstwhile leader Antonio Asistio’s early meltdown to grab a four-stroke lead heading into the final round of the Putra Cup qualifier at Riviera’s Langer course in Silang, Cavite yesterday.

Bayron, had three bogeys against two birdies in another punishing day at the par-71 layout but his 37-35 round was enough to shove him past a faltering Asistio with a five-round total of 359, including the 210 he pooled at Mt. Malarayat last week.

Asistio, who either led or shared the lead since the start of the 108-hole elims, wavered with a 41 at the front and shot himself in the foot with a seven-over par 78. He slid to second with a 363.

Reigning national champion Mhark Fernando firmed up his bid for a spot in the four-man RP team competing in next month’s Putra Cup in Thailand as he moved up to third despite a five-over 76 as erstwhile third running Peter Villaber cracked under pressure and limped home with a 79.

Fernando, playing out of Calatagan, pooled a 367, just four shots behind Asistio, while Villaber, hoping to debut with the national squad, dropped to fourth with a 368.

John Kier Abdon of Southwoods stood just two strokes behind Villaber at 370 after matching par 71 while Calatagan’s Albin Engino and Jhonnel Ababa had 373 and 376, respectively, making the battle for the last two berths wide open with 18 holes left in the elims conducted by the National Golf Association of the Phils. in cooperation the Riviera Golf and Country Club.

Engino sustained his fightback from the back of the pack to within the Magic Four as he shot a course-best two-under par 69 for a 373 total while Ababa carded a 78 and stood in seventh with a 376.

Engino made four birdies against two bogeys for a 33-36 card.

Miko Alejandro, Dante Becierra and Dino Villanueva virtually kissed their bids goodbye with high rounds with Alejandro and Becierra making 77s for 381 and 389, respectively, and Villanueva struggling with a 79 for 393.