Mondilla paces Phl Am 2-day qualifier

MANILA, Philippines - Former champion Clyde Mondilla carded a one-over-par 73 under tough condition to post a one-stroke lead over Justin Quiban at the start of the 36-hole stroke play qualifier of the 2011 Philippine Amateur Closed Championship at Wack Wack’s East course yesterday.

Mondilla rallied with a 35 at the back as he finished with three birdies against four bogeys on a day fancied Jobim Carlos and Zannie Boy Gialon groped for form and submitted nine-over 81s.

Quiban turned in a 36-38 for a 74 while Aris Mata and Brent Sumampong shot identical 76s to stay among the leaders heading into the final day of elims of the event presented by Pancake House and SOC Land and backed by Great Depot, Callaway and Odyssey Golf.

Ruperto Zaragosa III, the Junior Closed champion at Alabang and another player tipped to contend for the crown, made a 77 while King Stehmeier and Cebuano hotshot Gio Gandiongco shot identical 78s.

Matthew Manotoc shot an 80 to tie businessmen JP Reyes and Rodel Mangulabnan.

In ladies play, Sarah Ababa and Andie Unson upstaged their more illustrious ICTSI teammates as they showed the way with similar 74s.

Sunshine Baraquiel, reigning Philippine Ladies Open champion Chihiro Ikeda and Daniela Uy stood four shots adrift with identical 78s.

Meanwhile, the turnout of the tournament, especially the junior players, has pleased host club Wack Wack president Philip Ella Juico, who vowed to support the country’s junior golf development program.

“May we just say that with the cooperation of the Wack Wack board (of directors), we’re making Wack Wack available for junior golf to help develop the sport we all love,” Juico said.