Van der Valk clings to one-shot lead

CLARK Freeport Zone, Philippines — Guido van der Valk used an early backside slip to stoke up another searing frontside run, leading to a second straight 66 and a continued hold of the lead halfway through the ICTSI Mimosa Plus Championship here in Pampanga yesterday.

The lead actually changed hands a number of times in the early going and late in the round in another scorching day but Jhonnel Ababa came up short by one to match Van der Valk’s 132 total despite a new course mark of 65 at Mimosa Plus’ Acacia for a 133.

Michael Bibat also seized the lead at 10-under 134 on a solid six-under card for a fleeting moment as the Dutchman came charging home with back-to-back birdies to cap a splendid closing frontside 30 marked by a three-birdie binge from No. 3.

But the title chase remained as tight and wide-open heading to the last 36 holes of the season-ending P2 million championship as Nilo Salahog kept his Philippine Golf Tour breakthrough bid going with a 135 after a 68 and Dino Villanueva likewise staying in the hunt for a maiden win despite squandering a more than perfect start and finishing with a second 68 for a 136.

Valley leg runaway winner Reymon Jaraula slowed down with a 70 after a 67 but remained in the thick of things at 137 in a tie with young Sean Ramos, who also shot a 66.