Golf: Foreign talents rule, halfway through PHL Golf Tour Q-School

Tagaytay - Three foreigners, led by Dutch Guido Van der Valk, occupied the first three places at the halfway point of the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour's Qualifying School tournament at the Splendido Taal Golf Club on Wednesday.

[Related: Dutchman Van der Valk the surprise leader in PGT Q-School]
    
Van der Valk, who opened with an even par 72, added a five-under-par 67 today under windy, chilly conditions at Splendido to wind up with a 139 total, three up on Japan's Toru Nakajima who matched the Dutchman's score for a 142.
    
Another Japanese, Tomokazu Yoshinaga came through with a 72 for 148 to share third place with unknown Filipino pro Belem Alarcon, who had his consecutive 74.
    
The four were among the top 60 players and ties after 36 holes who will advance to tomorrow's third round.  At the end of 72-hole elimination, the top 30 locals and 10 foreign bets will earn cards for the 2013 ICTSI-PGT season.
    
Also making it were Arnel Enema (71) and Dino Villanueva (75) on 149s.  Raul Minoza, brother of legend Frankie Minoza, checked in next on 150 after a 76.
    
A three-way bunch on 151 followed as amateur Chris Mamaril matched par 72, Paul Echavez returned with 73 and Jude Estaquio registered a 74.  Lino Retuerto and Rene Menor submitted 75s for similar 150s.
    
Johvanie Abano, the top graduate last year, posted a 76 for 153.
    
Asian Tour veteran and former winner Artemio Murakami safely got through with a 79 for 159, good for 41st. - AMD, GMA News