Murakami completes 8-shot romp

CANLUBANG, Philippines  – Artemio Murakami razed Cangolf’s South course with a brilliant six-under 66 to hammer out an eight-stroke victory over veteran Richard Sinfuego and rookie pro Jerson Balasabas in the P1 million BDO Canlubang Invitational presented by ICTSI here yesterday.

The 28-year-old Murakami was peerless all day as he combined solid shot-making with superb iron play and steady putting to complete his romp in the 54-hole event and record his first victory on the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour.

He wound up with a 14-under 202 total and won by eight over Sinfuego and Balasabas, who had 210s after a pair of 68s, for the second biggest margin of victory next to Elmer Salvador’s 12-shot win, over Murakami and Mars Pucay, at ICTSI Sherwood last September.

“I feel like, finally my dream is coming through,” said Murakami after annexing his first victory since topping the all-Filipino Philippine Open last December. “This is my first win on the PGT and my first since the Phl Open.”

The victory also ended Murakami’s string of poor finishes abroad, including two tournaments in Malaysia where he was leading going into the last round only to fold up in the end.

“Maybe its really my time because I had two tournaments in Malaysia that I should’ve won,” said Murakami. “I’m glad I did everything right but it’s never easy when you play in a tournament where you know anyone can win.”

Although the top P200,000 purse hardly boosted his ranking in the Order of Merit – he moved up to No. 10, the win should fire up the 28-year-old Fil-Japanese heading to the final leg of the 16-stage circuit, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournament Inc., at Wack Wack on Nov. 23-25.

Murakami used a course-record eight-under 64 to launch his bid in the 54-hole tournament sponsored by BDO and though he slowed down with a 72 in the second round, he remained in firm control as the rest failed to press on their respective bids.

Yoshinaga, who started the final round just three shots behind Murakami, wilted under pressure and reeled back with a 40, finishing with a 76 and tumbling to joint seventh with Terence Macatangay, who had a 74, at 215.

Balasabas and Sinfuego, who flashed their local knowledge of the layout with 68 and 69 in the first round only to fumble with 74 and 73, respectively, in the next day, regained their form but their 68s were still overshadowed by Murakami’s 66. Each got P92,500 with Balasabas, 29, posting his best finish.

“It’s good feeling to come up with my best performance in this tour,” said Balasabas.

Zanie Boy Gialon shot a 75 for a 223 to claim the low amateur honors, his third straight after topping the ICTSI Calatagan leg and the Samsung Amateur Open last month.

James Ryan Lam rallied with a 69 and snatched solo fourth at 213 worth P50,000 while Robert Pactolerin and Elmer Saban shot similar 70s to share fifth place at 214.

Each received P37,500.

Peter Villaber fired a 69 and tied Anthony Fernando and Arnold Villacencio, who both had 74s, at ninth at even par 216 in the 54-hole event backed by MJ Carr Golf Management, Inc., Srixon, Callaway, Unilab, Titleist, Sharp, Custom Clubmakers, Mizuno, PinoyGolfer.com, Inquirer Golf, A Round of Golf, Studio 23, Balls, and Dynamic Sports.

Mhark Fernando and Jhonnel Ababa, two of the fancied players earlier tipped to contend for the crown owing to their familiarity with the course they call home, failed to live up the hype. Fernando made a 75 and ended up in joint 15th at 218 while Ababa, winner of two of the last three legs of the circuit, hobbled with a 77 and wound up in 34th with a 224.