Tolentino hikes lead to 4 shots

MANILA, Philippines - Raymart Tolentino pulled away by four despite a three-over 75 as the field faltered in demanding condition at Sherwood Hills halfway through the Philippine Junior Amateur Championship presented by the MVP Sports Foundation in Trece Martirez, Cavite yesterday.

Tolentino, who took a one-stroke lead over Joseph Orbito with a 73 Tuesday, made four birdies but fumbled with five bogeys and a double-bogey on the par-3 No. 11 in another windy day although the 16-year-old shotmaker managed to build a big cushion over defending champion Park Min-ung of Korea with a 36-hole aggregate of 148.

Park carded a second 76 for a 152 while Diego San Pedro stood a stroke farther back at 153 after a 77 and Ramir Roque another shot behind at 154 after a 78.

Fancied Rupert Zaragosa withdrew after six holes after sustaining a left wrist injury while Kristopher Arevalo turned in a 86 and dropped out of contention at 168 heading to the final two rounds of the event serving as part of the PLDT Group Amateur Tour and backed by Pancake House, Golf Depot and Pacsports.

Zaragosa, who made a 77 in the first round, actually had a one-under card and the lead after six holes before finally deciding to withdraw.

Gabriel Manotoc made a 78 and tied Arevalo at 155 with Japan’s Gen Nagai shooting a 77 for a 157.

Daniela Uy, meanwhile, remained a stroke ahead of Harmie Constantino in the girls’ division after both fired 77s. Uy has a 151 aggregate.

Bianca Pagdanganan stayed in third two strokes off the pace also after a 77, with Felicia Medalla and Abegail Arevalo both submitting second straight 78s to be five shots back like Sam Martinez, who made a 79.

Rivani Sihotang of Indonesia was the best-placed foreigner in the girls’ division, firing a 76 for 157, with Hwang Min-jeong of Korea shooting a 75 for 158.

Samantha Bruce, who started the day just one shot behind Uy, slumped with an 83 to be tied with the Korean.