Pinoy golfers head for worst finish in World Am

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines hardly recovered at the resumption of the storm-hit second round of the World Amateur Golf Championships, finishing with a 12-over 154 for joint 46th with one round left in the Eisenhower Trophy at the Buenos Aires and Olivos golf clubs in Argentina Saturday.

Jhonnel Ababa and Judson Eustaquio both carded five-over 77s at the par-71 Olivos layout for that 154 and a 36-hole aggregate of 310, counting the 156 the team pooled in the first round at the par-72 BAGC course.

Mhark Fernando failed to count with a 78.

France continued to hold sway on a cool, windy day, firing a 142 to keep a one-stroke lead over Denmark, which shot a 41 for a 280. The United States also turned in a 142 but stood six shots behind France at 285.

Play was suspended twice in the second round due to stormy weather before organizers decided to reduce the event to 54 holes.

The RP golfers, whose campaign is sanctioned by the NGAP and backed by ICTSI and Philippine Sports Commission, are headed for a worst finish in the biennial event after a 38th place effort in 2006 although the condition this week is far tougher than in South Africa two years ago.