Engino, Rho share lead at five-under

MURCIA, Negros Occidental, Philippines — Albin Engino and South Korea’s Hyun Ho Rho stunned the field with impressive 65s to secure joint leadership in the rain-disrupted opening round of the ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club here yesterday.

Engino, a journeyman still chasing a breakthrough win after more than a decade on the Philippine Golf Tour, delivered a powerful back-nine performance. His round, punctuated by consecutive birdies inside 12 feet, saw him card a 34-31 for a five-under-par round at the tight par-70 layout. His steady play earned him a share of the lead with Rho, whose hot start earlier in the day set the pace.

Tom Marcelo was poised to take the first-round lead after reaching five-under with three holes left to play. However, a 45-minute lightning delay halted his momentum, causing him to bogey the par-3 No. 8 for a 66, dropping him to joint third.

Other four-under scorers were Aidric Chan, Fidel Concepcion and homegrown talent Nelson Huerva.

In women’s play, Jiwon Lee showcased her return to form with an impressive eagle-aided 68 for an early one-stroke lead over Daniella Uy.

The 16-year-old Lee fired a birdie on the 12th hole and followed it up with a stunning eagle on No. 14 en route to her pacesetting card.

Lee holds a narrow one-shot lead over Uy, who posted a 69. Six players carded 71s to share third place, including Princess Superal, Mafy Singson and Chanelle Avaricio.