Del Monte looms PAL Interclub top fave

MANILA, Philippines - Del Monte tries to nail the Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub crown for the first time away from home as it goes for back-to-back title romp in the regular division of the annual event slated Feb. 22-25 in Davao City.

With many-time champion Canlubang taking a leave of absence this year, the Bukidnon-based squad looms as the early favorite to score a repeat although it will have its hands full at the challenging Rancho Palos Verdes and Apo Golf courses.

Del Monte’s two Interclub titles were both won at home, the first coming early in the last decade with a squad backstopped by Buboy Jaraulla and the other last year with its pool of players coming into the event toughened up by stints in various national tournaments.

Meanwhile, the Sugar Barons, the winningest club in Interclub history, will not be seeing action this year with most of its players jumping to the pro ranks.

Southwoods, another club with a rich history in the event, is expected to vault back into serious contention this year, with Cebu Country Club, the second placer last year, tipped to again crowd the favorites for its first Championship Division title.

The Platinum sponsors for the 65th edition of the Interclub are Mareco Broadcasting Network, Radio High, Stargate Media and Media Five; while the major backers are Asia Brewery, Business Mirror and Airbus.

Other backers of the event are Department of Tourism, Philippine Graphic, Boeing International Corp., GECAS, Bombo Radyo, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Moevenpick Resort & Spa Cebu, Plantation Bay, Radisson Blu Hotel and Imperial Palace Waterpark & Spa Cebu.

Seniors action actually gets the PAL Interclub going on Thursday with Canlubang seeking to extend its reign over perennial rival Luisita.

Save for Seve Roxas Chua who replaced Carlo Gamban, the Tarlac-based squad is fielding practically the same squad in the four-to-play, three-to-count seniors tournament.

“I think we have an even chance to challenge Canlubang for the title,” said Luisita team manager Joey Romasanta.

Immediately after arrival, the Sweeties proceeded to Rancho Palos Verdes, one of two golf courses to be used in the four-day event that ends Feb. 19.

Luisita will sample today Apo Golf and Country Club, site of the final round.

Defending champion Canlubang, which routed Luisita by 28 points last year, is also set to arrive today.

Luisita will again be led by Iggy Clavecilla and Francis Gaston. The other holdovers of the squad are Philippine Sports Commission chairman Ritchie Garcia, Pepot Inigo, Bong Sison, Mining Maravilla and  Lino Magpantay.

Aside from Manotoc, Canlubang will field old reliables Tony Olives, Dave Hernandez, Mari Hechanova, Bing Bunye, Rolly Viray and Luigi Yulo. A new addition is Rene Unson who took the spot of Philip Brodett.

A total of 88 teams, including 42 international squads, are taking part in the event divided into four divisions.