La’O holds slim opening lead in Eagle Ridge Invitational

MANILA, Philippines — Cookie La’O played scored a sparkling two-under-par 70 to grab a surprise one stroke lead at the start of the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Invitational played at the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club on Wednesday in Gen. Trias, Cavite. The 34-year-old La’O, a former RP Team member and was part of the silver medal wining squad in the 1998 Asian Games in Thailand, tamed the ultra tough Andy Dye Eagle Ridge course with precision iron shots and crisp putting despite rainy conditions. “There are times when a player just hits the ball so well that no matter what the weather or course conditions are, a good score is on the way. That’s what happened to me today," said La’O, who assembled nines of 34-36. He holds a one-stroke lead over Asian Tour campaigner Antonio Lascuna, who carded a one-under-par 71 (35-36). Sophomore Gene Bondoc, a member of the ICTSI team in his amateur days, was third with an even-par 72 (36-36). “La’O really played well. While everybody was having a hard time, he was just having a sweet time throughout the day," Lascuna said of La’O. Joenard Rates was at fourth with a 73, followed by first leg winner Danny Zarate, Juanito Pagunsan, Ruben Sasutil, Chris delos Santos, Mike Bibat, Peter Minoza and Richard Abaring with 74s. Juvic Pagunsan, one of the favorites here, soared with an 81. A strong field of 70 golfers are gunning for the P200,000 top pot in the second leg of the revived Philippine Golf Tour. – GMANews.TV