Kasiadi grabs lead as Bayron, Asistio waver

MANILA, Philippines - Indonesian Benny Kasiadi sizzled with a 68 then pounced on Rufino Bayron and Antonio Asistio’s poor putting to grab a two-stroke lead in the third round of the Indonesia Amateur Golf Invitational at the Imperial Golf Club in Indonesia late Thursday.

Kasiadi made a splendid start and went four-under after five holes, sputtered in the next 10 holes but birdied two of the last three holes to outplay Peter Villaber in the last flight for that 68.

He surged ahead at 215 as erstwhile leader Bayron wavered with a 74 and slid to third with a 218, enabling fellow ICTSI golf team member Asistio, who led in the first round with a 69, to move up to second with a 217 after a 71 with 18 holes to play.

Miko Alejandro fought back with a 69 to tie Villaber, who matched par 72, in fourth at 220 while another local bet, William Sjaichudin, stood at 221 after a 73 in a tie with Jerson Balasabas of Calatagan, who wound up with a 75.

Albin Engino also carded an even par 72 for a 223 while Dante Becierra made a 74 for a 227.

Asistio, who with Bayron, Villaber and Mhark Fernando will banner the country’s bid in the Putra Cup in Thailand on Aug. 18-21, actually played a steady round in windy conditions but flubbed a number of birdie opportunities and failed to match Kasiadi’s solid stint.

Still, the Filipino bets remain confident of their chances with Asistio and Bayron vowing to put the pressure on Kasiadi in the final flight in their pursuit of the crown.

Over in Malaysia, Sarah Ababa carded a 74 for a 224 and wound up tied for fourth with Anya Tanpinco, who skied to an 81 after a good start of 70, in the Malaysian Ladies Amateur won by Michelle Kho of Malaysia at the Mines Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur last Thursday.