Luisita puts some distance with Canlubang at PAL Interclub

Bacolod — Luisita set the tone for the consecutive day, shooting a scorching 146 points to seize the lead against rival Canlubang midway through the 63rd Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub seniors golf tournament at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club in Murcia. A day after matching Canlubang’s 129 output in the opener, Luisita took control of three of four flights in the center piece championship division en route to a 36-hole aggregate 275, six ahead off defending champion Canlubang. The bulk of Luisita’s heavy scoring came from Richie Garcia, who fired 50 points. Iggy Clavecilla and Bong Sison each churned out 48s for that 146. Fourth man Carlo Gamban had a 45 but did not count in the four-to-play, three-to-count format. “The third round (Saturday also at the Binitin course) will be critical. If we can extend our advantage, or at least, hold on to it, I believe we have a pretty good chance of pulling this through," said Garcia. Canlubang, which is seeking its fifth straight crown this year, was led by the sizzling 51 points from sophomore senior player Dave Hernandez. Luigi Yulo’s 45 and Rolly Viray’s 44 completed the scoring. Team captain Tony Olives’ 42 did not count. In the Friendship Division, SFO Alliance has a virtual lock on the crown after it assembled 110 for 192, 15 points ahead of Filcansa’s 81-177. Over at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Marapara, Valley Golf pooled in 139 points to grab a slim, two-point edge in the Founders Division. Cris San Agustin shot a 50, Romy Ricardo contributed a 46, and Boni Sumbilla added a 43 for Valley Golf. Eagle Ridge was next with 131-263, erstwhile leader Orchard 125-261, Wack Wack 135-257, Manila Golf 130-257, and Alabang 125-255. Apo Golf pooled in 128 points for 246 as it distanced from second running Villamor (116-236) in the Sportswriters Division. – Adrian Flores, GMANews.TV