Carlos takes charge with five-shot edge

MANILA, Philippines - Jobim Carlos fired a three-under-par 69 to post a five-stroke lead in the boys’ under-18 division even as Regine de Guzman and Geleen Handog rekindled their rivalry by sharing the lead in the girls’ side of the inaugural Faldo Series Philippines Championship at the TAT Filipinas Golf Club in San Pedro, Laguna yesterday.

Carlos, playing out of Angelicum, flashed solid form on a hot and humid day at the up-and-down course to pull away from Jonar Austria and Bacolod’s Chepe Dulay, who carded 74 and 75, respectively.

Fresh from their duel for the Luzvimin crown at the Fairways and Bluewater course in Boracay, De Guzman and the comebacking Handog were at it again as they turned in similar four-over 76s for a three-shot lead.

It was the 17-year-old De Guzman who won that Luzvimin duel after a big finish but the 21-year-old Handog, back in competitive golf after completing a business degree at La Salle, seems ready for a big comeback.

Trailing them are Cebu’s Irina Gabasa, Sarah Jane Ababa and Anne Sabater, who all had 79s.

Bino dela Paz grabbed the top spot in a looming tight battle for the boys’ under 16 plum of the tournament that will select the country’s representatives to the Falso Series Asia Grand Final at the Mission Hills course in Shenzhen, China next March.

Tom Philips, CEO of the Faldo Series, and Jungolf Foundation of the Philippines chairman Gerry Handog supervised the opening of the 36-hole event which was also marked by a clinic conducted by teaching pro Jun Cedo.

Dela Paz goes into the final round toting a one-stroke lead over Cebu’s Angelo Gandionco and Korean Ham Jeong Woo with Eric Gallardo another shot back at 77.