Crowded leaderboards in Iloilo Golf Challenge

MANILA, Philippines — Fidel Concepcion made a bold statement in his pursuit of a breakthrough victory on the Philippine Golf Tour, carding an impressive six-under 64 for a one-stroke lead over Guido van der Valk in the opening round of the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge yesterday.

Concepcion birdied three of the first eight holes to launch his title campaign in style at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club after missing the cut in the last PGT leg at Forest Hills

Despite a setback on the ninth, he rallied with four more birdies on the back nine to cap a near-perfect 34-30 round.

Van der Valk posted a 65 while Ira Alido carded a 66 to take third, highlighting his back-nine surge with three birdies. Defending champion Rupert Zaragosa and veterans Tony Lascuña and Reymon Jaraula are among those tied at fourth with rounds of 67 in the P2.5 million championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Reigning Philippine Masters champion Angelo Que, meanwhile, rescued a 68, giving him solo seventh.

On the ladies’ side, four players – Chanelle Avaricio, Mikha Fortuna, Chihiro Ikeda and Gretchen Villacencio – matched two-over-par 72s to share the lead.

Mafy Singson and Sarah Ababa were hot on the heels of the leaders, each carding a 73 to stay one stroke behind.