2-eagle feat propels Corpus to 4-shot lead

MANILA, Philippines — Pressed hard by his seasoned rivals, Carl Corpus answered with a brilliant seven-under 65 for a four-shot lead in the ICTSI Valley Golf Challenge in Antipolo yesterday.

Corpus outshone Dutch ace Guido van der Valk and a pair of Philippine Golf Tour standouts with two eagles and six birdies against two bogeys on his way to a 10-under 134 in the P2-million championship.

The 24-year-old rookie positioned himself not only for a breakthrough PGT victory but also for redemption. He led the elite Caliraya Springs field for two days in August before stumbling with a final-round 73 and settling for joint fifth.

Still, heavy contenders remain lined up behind him.

Clyde Mondilla stayed within striking distance with a 71 after an opening 67 for a 138 total. Arnold Villacencio fired a 67 anchored by four birdies in his last five holes for a 139 while recent South Pacific leg winner Jeffren Lumbo rebounded with a 68 to tie Angelo Que at 140 in fourth place.

Que, after a sterling six-birdie, one-bogey opening round, hobbled with a 73 that slowed his bid for both a third leg title and the Order of Merit crown.

Van der Valk, meanwhile, outgunned Corpus early with five birdies in their backside duel but cooled off with a three-birdie, two-bogey run coming home. His 66 still lifted him into a share of sixth at 141 with Fidel Concepcion (70), Ryan Monsalve (69) and Tae Won Ha (72).

“This course fits me. I’m also very familiar, very comfortable playing here – I know where to hit and miss. I think everything’s going my way this week. Hopefully, in the next two days, ganun din,” said Corpus.

Forty-five players advanced to the weekend at 150, including Luis Bagtas (74), Josh Jorge (75), Gerald Rosales (75), Gabriel Manotoc (75), Ivan Monsalve (76), Dan Cruz (76) and Junior PGT standout Alexis Nailga (73). Amateur Bobe Salahog carded a 73 but safely made the cut at 143, tied for 12th.