Lee leads with 73 in pro debut; Suzuki in three-way tie at helm

LAUREL, Batangas, Philippines — Young Jiwon Lee lived up to her promise and potential, overcoming a late stumble with a crucial birdie on the last hole for a 73 and a one-stroke lead over Florence Bisera at the start of the ICTSI Splendido Taal Championship here yesterday.

Building on her previous success at the Lakewood Championship, which she won as an amateur, Lee took charge midway through the round with a frontside 35. However, she encountered challenges with bogeys on Nos. 13, 15, and 17.

Nevertheless, Lee regained her composure and birdied the tough finishing hole to separate herself from flightmate Bisera, who finished with a 74, securing her position as the main challenger in the 54-hole championship put up by ICTSI.

“I really wanted to finish at two-under today after a strong frontside 35. But unfortunately, I made several bogeys on the back nine. The greens were very challenging,” said Lee.

In men’s play, Daiya Suzuki birdied the 18th hole in an eagle-spiked 67 to catch Clyde Mondilla and Min Seong Kim at the helm.

Aidric Chan rattled off six birdies after a bogey start for a 68 and joint second with Angelo Que and Tae Soo Kim, who both matched 32-36 nines.

Tony Lascuña birdied seven of the first 11 holes but faltered with three straight bogeys from No. 12 en route to a 69.

He dropped to joint seventh with Fidel Concepcion, who parred the last nine holes for a 33-36.