Dumandan targets 2nd ICTSI crown

MANILA, Philippines - Marvin Dumandan hopes to recover fast from a recent bout with flu as he tries to nail a second straight ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour crown in the ICTSI-Riviera Classic unfolding tomorrow at Riviera’s Couples course in Silang, Cavite.

“I’m starting to get better but not yet 100 percent,” said Dumandan three days before the start of the P1 million tournament serving as the third leg of this year’s circuit organized by the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

But the power-hitting Davaoeño shotmaker, who romped off with a four-shot win over Jay Bayron and Orlan Sumcad at Sherwood last March, remains wary of his title chances this week, saying the field is too tough and talent-laden.

Meanwhile, the traditional pro-am will be held today with a number of celebrities joining the sponsoring International Container Terminal Services, Inc.’s guests and backers in an 18-hole tournament offering fabulous prizes.

Tonton Gutierrez, Jake Roxas, Paolo Santos, Anthony Suntay, Gary Lim, Jeffrey Bernales, Lito Camo, Dominic Uy and Vince Hizon make up the celebrity guest list in the tournament backed by MJ Carr Golf Management, Jaguar, Land Rover, Studio 23, Balls TV, Srixon/Cleveland Golf, Callaway Golf and Golf Punk.

“It will be tough because all the top guns are here, “said Dumandan, referring to Asian Tour regulars and ICTSI-backed bets Juvic Pagunsan, Angelo Que, Artemio Murakami and Tony Lascuna. “But the one who has fine-tuned his swing during the break will have a chance (for the title).”

Bayron appears to fit the bill, having essayed a string of runner-up finishes on the Mercedes Benz Tour the last three weeks – setbacks he hopes to parlay into a winning run on the local circuit.

“I’m in top condition and confident despite my three losses,” said the soft-spoken Bayron, who finished second at Manila Southwoods, in Pattaya, Thailand and Indonesia on the Asean PGA Tour.

But he will be up against a slew of talented players out to foil his bid, including Mars Pucay, Ferdie Aunzo, Danny Zarate, Rey Pagunsan, Ferdie Aunzo, Tonton Asistio and reigning Philippine Open champion and ICTSI Classic Mt. Malarayat winner Elmer Salvador.

Meanwhile, the fourth leg, the ICTSI Forest Hills Championship, will be played on May 26-28 at the Forest Hills Golf Club in Antipolo where Bayron is the defending champion.