Luisita remains on top, increases PAL Interclub lead

DAVAO CITY—The Luisita Sweeties' steady play at the Rancho Palos Verdes kept them at pole position on a 296 aggregate in 36 holes to further increase its lead to 14 points against closest pursuer Cebu Country Club (CCC) at the halfway mark of the PAL Interclub's senior competition on Friday. Luisita, determined to regain the championship division crown it last won in 2010, produced its most productive day with 149 Molave points. Team skipper Iggy Clavecilla fired away with a three-over-par 75 worth 51 markers, which was later matched by teammate Seve Roxas Chua. Former PAL flight purser Pepot Iñigo submitted a 47. Lino Magpantay, the 13-time seniors titlist and Luisita's fourth man, had a 43 but was disregarded in the four-to-play, three-to-count format. "That lead is not yet safe," Clavecilla said. "We'll remain aggressive and hike the lead further if we can. The other teams, particularly Canlubang, will be fielding in their best four and would surely go for all the marbles." CCC (141-282) remains at second place, just two ahead of Canlubang (145-280). Alta Vista (143-273) still has an outside chance of nailing a top three finish in the 65th edition of the annual team championship. Canlubang's Sugar Barons, winners of five including four straight from 2006, will have no other recourse but to trim down Luisita and CCC's lead. In the Founders division at the Apo Golf Club, defending champion Manila Golf seized the overall lead with a 272 after it pooled in 144 points. OV Espiritu accounted for 51 followed by Arsenic Laurel's 49 and Brian Cockrell's 44. Excluded for the day was Fausto Preysler's 42. Eagle Ridge churned out a 136 and was seven shots down on 265. The host club Apo's bets placed third with 117-259. Riviera (132-258). Philippine Navy (122-256) completes the top five. The flights in the Sportswriters and Friendship divisions are still playing as of posting time. — Adrian Flores/JVP, GMA News Day 2 scores