Martirez takes 8-shot lead in Malaysia jungolf

MANILA, Philippines - Sam Martirez carded a three-over 75 in tough condition but still posted an eight-stroke lead over local bet Tham Soot Yuet in the second round of the Malaysia 100 Plus Junior golf tournament at the Sabah Golf Club in Malaysia yesterday.

Martinez, who stood at fourth with an opening 74, hit one birdie against four bogeys but the top ICTSI-backed bet pounced on the erstwhile leaders’ struggle on the tight par-72 layout to seize control at 149 in Class A.

Yuet made a 77 for a 157 while Sarah Tan of Singapore lay a shot farther back at 158 after a 78.

Abby Arevalo, also a member of Team ICTSI, struggled with 80 and 81 and slid to seventh at 161.

Sofia Chabon, meanwhile, hardly improved from an opening 78 with a 77 for a 155, two strokes behind joint leaders Suthavee Chanachai of Thailand and Taiwanese Chang Yi Chia in Class B.

Chanachai hobbled with a 78 but caught up with Chang at 153 after the latter, who fired a gutsy 72 in the first round, skied to an 81.

Team ICTSI’s Mikha Fortuna turned in a second 81 and lay nine shots off the joint leaders.