Yee ahead by two after solid 68

SAN DIEGO – Miggy Yee shot a bogey-free, five-under-par 68 to open a two-stroke edge in the boys 11-12 division as he led an auspicious start by the Philippine bets in the Callaway Junior World championships in various courses here Tuesday (Wednesday Manila time).

The hefty Yee tamed the Rancho Bernardo course of The Country Club with five birdies, including three on the last four holes, to edge ahead of the bigger names in his division – Californians Joshua Martin, Corey Shaun and Tyler Moore who all shot 70s like Thriston Arthur Lawrence of South Africa.

The 5-foot-9 seventh grader at La Salle Greenhills highlighted his round with a superb 6-iron tee-shot on the 17th that almost found the hole for a tap-in birdie.

Struggling rounds by fancied Dottie Ardina, Mia Legaspi and Philippe Winsett-Palanca failed to dampen the spirit of the 44-strong Philippine delegation sponsored by Philippine Airlines, Club Marinduque and Diamond Motors as Irina Gabasa, Miguel Tabuena, LJ Go Princess Superal and Pauline del Rosario stayed within striking distance in their respective events.

Gabasa was a big revelation with her 69 at Sycuan-Oak Glen that put the tiny Cebuana in second place in the girls 11-12 years, one adrift of San Diego’s Minja Luo. Marvi Monsalve also broke par, a 71, to stay just two behind.