Luisita takes command in Fil-Championship

BAGUIO, Philippines — Benjamin Sumulong scored 35 points while Martin Ilagan added 30 as Luisita opened with a two-point lead against Manila Southwoods at the start of the Fil-Championship division in the 72nd Fil-Am Men’s Invitational at the Camp John Hay Golf Club.

Luisita got solid support from Danilo Cruz and Rodel Mangulabnan, who each submitted 29 for the team’s output of 123 points. Manila Southwoods assembled 121 on the 34 of Raul Minoza, 30 of Junjun Plana, 29 of Theody Pascual and 28 of Manfred Guangko.

Luisita playing captain Sumulong said that his wards could have scored better if not for the first-day jitters.

“We haven’t had a competition as big as this in the last three years. Everybody is adapting to team play again. We just have to keep grinding, especially in the last two rounds at the short but tricky Baguio Country Club, where the real scoring battle is,” Sumulong said.

Riviera is a distant third with 111 followed by Mamala Bay 106 and Leeward Filam of Hawaii 92.

In the Am-A division, Bibak NY/NJ iGolfers collected 79 points and 160 total in two rounds. Herbert Donglasan led all scorers with 34. Diman Felipe, Ramon Gaoat and John Dangos assisted with 18, 15 and 12, respectively.

At second spot is Pradera Verde (81-151). Willy Cabalce shot 24, Bobby Inigo made 23, Butch Bakunawa had 18 and Jojo Mercado added 16.