Mondilla, Unson head match play qualifiers

MANILA, Philippines - Clyde Mondilla wavered coming home with a 40 for a 74 but still clinched the top seeding heading to the match play phase of the 2011 Philippine Amateur Closed Championship at Wack Wack’s East course yesterday.

Mondilla, the former national champion, pooled a 147 in the 36-hole stroke play qualifier, besting reigning Junior World champion Ruperto Zaragoza for the low medal honors by two.

He drew No. 32 Basti Lorenzo, who took the last spot in the knockout stage with a 168 after an 86.

Zaragoza, who won the junior version of this event at Alabang two weeks ago, matched par 72 after a 77 for second with a 149, setting up a clash with No. 31 Alexes Nallos, who also had a 168 aftr a 79.

King Stehmeier shot a 76 for 154 and took the No. 3 spot while Justin Quiban slowed down with an 80 after a 74-154 and settled for fourth.

Ronnie Littaua will be Stehmeier’s opponent and Quiban is paired with Manfred Guangco after both finished with 167s totals after 87 and 84, respectively.

Andie Unson, meanwhile, topped the women’s side of event presented by Pancake House and SOC Land and backed by Great Depot, Callaway and Odyssey Golf as the top ICTSI-backed bet made a 78 for a 152.

Dottie Ardina shot a 73 and notched the No. 2 spot with a 153 while ICTSI teammate Sarah Ababa assembled a 156 after an 82 for third.

Jobim Carlos, one of the players tipped to crowd Mondilla and Zaragoza for the crown, failed to get his game going for the second straight day but still made it to the tournament proper with a 159 after a 78. He will take on Jet Mathay, who made a 160 after an 80.

Others who advanced were Andres Saldana (74-156), Raymund Jaraulla (75-156), EJ Marcelo (72-157), Zanie Boy Gialon (76-157), Mata Aristeo (81-157) and Jama Reyes (78-158), Mata Agustin (78-158), Brent Sumampong (82-158) and John Kier Abdon (77-159).