Korean parbuster wrests lead in Canlubang Amateur Open

Wang Jeung-hyun of Korea shot a sizzling seven-under-par 65 to wrest the lead from Filipino Jobim Carlos at the midway point of the Canlubang Amateur Open Golf Championship held at the Canlubang Golf’s North Course in Laguna. Wang came charging in the final nine, firing a superb 31 and a two-day total of 136. He is now one stroke ahead of erstwhile leader Carlos, who came through with a solid three-under 69 for 137. Sonny Villaber (71) and Zanie Boy Gialon (72) of The Country Club, Art Arbole (73) and Jerson Balasabas (71) were tied for third with 143s although they were all seven adrift. Alexes Nallos, also of TCC, assembled a 145 after an even 72 while teammate Dante Becierra, who once ruled the Hong Kong Amateur Open, and Nam Seung Hee, had identical 146s after a 70 and 72. Lovelynn Guioguio, meanwhile, stroked her way to a sizzling eight-under 64, spiked by an eagle on the last hole, to lead the way in the ladies event. Trailing her were Jayvie Agojo and Sarah Jane Ababa with 69s. Guioguio had an easy time in the first nine as she shot four birdies. A bogey on the 10th reeled her back, but she quickly made up with a birdie on the 12th. The top ICTSI bet then capped her sterling round with an eagle on the 18th, hitting a 4-iron shot from 180 yards to within three feet. Andrea Unson carded a 70 for fourth while Lucy Landicho and Geleen Handog stood a shot farther at 71. - RCJ/Adrian Flores, GMANews.TV