Kano, Taiwanese open 1-shot lead

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines’ Kenneth Kano carded a 71 to share opening day honors with Taiwanese Daniel Lin Ding-Sheng in the 10th Philippine International Junior Golf Championships presented by the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office at the Ayala Greenfield Golf and Leisure Club in Calamba, Laguna Wednesday.

Jobim Carlos submitted a 72 while fellow Filipinos Jonar Austria and Miguel Tabuena shot identical 74s to make it a crowded race in the centerpiece boys’ 15-17 division of the event backed by Lucio “Bong” Tan Jr., Wallem Philippines Shipping, Inc., Toyota Balintawak, Toyota Otis, New Divisoria Mall, Rescue Derm, Atty. Gilberto Duavit, Ruben Reyes, Puyat Steel and Apo Galfan.

Staying close with the leaders are Lee Si Hyung of Korea and Gregory Foo of Singapore, who both had 75s while Kumaraesan Shanmugam of Sarawak and Gus Mata of the Philippines turned in identical 77s.

Malcolm Kunjin of Sarawak also sizzled on opening day with a 70 to take a two-stroke lead over Justin Quiban and Yo Shen Chang of the Philippines in the boys’ 13-14 class. Filipinos Jama Reyes and Aris Mata are next with their 75s.

In the boys’ 11-12 age bracket, Sebastian Lorenzo carded a 75 to post a four-shot lead over Hsiang Yu-Chuan of Taiwan while Wei Yu Gao shot an 81 to likewise open a four-stroke lead over Aidric Chan, also of the Philippines, in the 10-under class.

In girls play, Kim Mingi of Korea submitted a 72 to take a seven-shot lead over Carolin Chang Yu-Hsin of Taiwan in the 12-under division, while Regina de Guzman of the Philippines carded a 72 in the 13-17 category.

Princess Superal shot a 73 while Wu Ying-yi of Korea turned a 74 to keep close with De Guzman.

“It’s too early to tell who will emerge on top, but I can already say that it’s going to be an exciting finale what with the very impressive scores these youngsters submitted on Day 1,” said tournament director Gerard Cantada.

The event is organized by the Philippine Junior Golf Federation.

, the event is supported by Amsterdam Pawnshop & Money Changer, Citystate Properties, Empire Insurance, Food Industries Inc., Miracle Farming Enterprise, Philippine Flour Mills,Cats, Candyman,Garry Uy, Kopi Roti, Morning Glory Co.,Inc., Pan De Manila, Bobby Inigo, Conceptrade, Ej & Obie Marcelo, Lucky Securities, Inc., Oliver Gan, Wack Wack Express, Elphege Wong, Dave Astejada and Emmanuel Lim.