Torres-Saban takes charge in Samsung pro-am

DAVAO, Philippines  – Unfancied Dante Torres and partner Alejandro Saban turned in the day’s lone under-par round of 71 as they humbled the star-studded field to post a one-stroke lead at the start of the Davao National Pro-Am co-presented by Samsung and Emcor at the Apo Golf and Country Club here yesterday.

Torres and Saban complemented each other under the challenging alternate-shot format event, combining for four birdies against three bogeys for the best score among the 72 teams entered in the P1 million championship.

The duo finished the day one stroke ahead of rookie pro Albin Engino and former national titlist Mhark Fernando who recovered from a bogey-par-bogey start to match par 72 at the tough layout.

Boboy Jaraula and reigning national champion Clyde Mondilla bogeyed the last hole and dropped to joint third with a one-over 73 that includes two teams powered by members of the big Ababa golfing clan – Edgar Ababa-Paul Echavez and Jimmy Bayron-Oscar Ababa.

Dan Cruz, a former tour standout now playing sparingly in competitive events after undergoing a heart bypass several years ago, combined with another national training pool member Jerson Balasabas for a 74.

Elmer Salvador and Jovi Neri had the best score of 76 among the seeded squads.

Juvic Pagunsan and weekend player Jaime Tan struggled with a 77 while Cassius Casas and Benjie Senining hobbled with a 79.

Only the top 30 teams after today’s second round will advance to the final round tomorrow.

Emcor president and COO Celso Villegas and Emcor golfing chairman Jimmy del Rosario are the men behind the staging of the 54-hole tournament backed by Kawasaki, Tri-com, BCLN Golf, LVL Construction, Malayan Insurance, Allegoiance Cargo, Edcon, Mega Joy Trading, Aldwin Oriental Graphics, Canon, Tran World Brokerage Corp., Cargo Serve, MDR, Banbros, Goetz and MSI-ECS.

Tony Fernando and Larry Pascual carded a 75 in a tie with Boyet Zaragosa and Jhonel Ababa while the Tony Lascuña-Martin Castillo and Marvin Dumandan-Anthony Sasin tandems turned in a pair of 76s.

Jay Bayron, winner of the recent Aboitiz Invitational in Cebu, teamed up with Etrone Alimar for a 77 while the Ferdie Aunzo-Monchit Mackay and Mike Bibat-Chad Borja pairs each scored 78.