Wild Interclub finish looms

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Order was restored in the Philippine Airlines Senior Interclub as Luisita and Canlubang returned to their familiar roles going into the final round at Bacolod Golf Club on Wednesday.

Luisita, getting 53 points from Ferdie Barbosa, shot a second-straight 145 points to tie Canlubang for the lead with identical 419 points, just a point ahead of defending champion Del Monte.

Erstwhile leader Bacolod Team B has slipped into a tie with Manila Southwoods for fourth place, both teams at 416 points apiece. With just three points separating five teams, today’s showdown promises to be a thrilling battle royale.

Barbosa, who carded a steady round with one birdie and two bogeys, got strong support from teammates Marty Ilagan (47) and Chino Raymundo (45) as Luisita bounced back from a tough opening round at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club.

“After being down by eight on the first day, we believed we had the stronger team for the second and third days,” said Luisita non-playing captain Jeric Hechanova. “Luckily, our strategy worked, and we’re tied with Canlubang going into the final day.”

Canlubang remained strong, with balanced scoring from Rolly Viray (48), Abe Rosal (47), and Abraham Avena (45), keeping them in the thick of the race.

Del Monte matched Luisita’s 145 points behind Arsenio Mondilla’s 51, Crispin Aparilla’s 49, and Romeo Jaraula’s 45.