Mondilla rallies past rivals, wins by one

MANILA, Philippines - Clyde Mondilla staked his claim as the hottest pro on tour, putting on another late charge to overhaul a four-stroke deficit and snare the ICTSI Philippine Masters crown by one over Tony Lascuña, Jhonnel Ababa and American Nicolas Paez with a closing 70 at the Villamor Golf Club yesterday.

A blistering backside 33, reminiscent of his feat last week where he battled back from three down to beat Miguel Tabuena and Lascuña by one at ICTSI Manila Southwoods, netted Mondilla another victory, a prized championship, the P2 million event put up by ICTSI being the revival of one of the country’s four majors.

“I just played it safe at the front and when I learned that I was near the leaders, I made my move,” said the 24-year-old Mondilla, who drove the 318-yard par-4 No. 10 and two-putted for birdie. He added another from five feet on the next and drilled in a four-footer on No. 13 to take charge.

“After I birdied No. 14, I told myself that I can win this,” he added.

He then watched Lascuña and erstwhile contender Keanu Jahns self-destruct with late bogeys to clinch the coveted crown on a six-under 282 total worth P360,000, emerging on top after surviving another final round battle of nerves and poise.

“It’s a different feeling winning the Masters. And winning it in front of a huge gallery makes it doubly special,” added Mondilla, who thus succeeded Cassius Casas, the last champion in 2000, as the new Masters titlist.

Lascuña, who blew another title crack with bogeys on Nos. 15 and 17, nearly forced a playoff after his pitch from 40 yards on the closing par-5 hole stopped one roll of target to the disappointment of the big gallery that ringed the final hole anticipating a sudden death in the revival of the fabled event.

He settled for a 73 and tied Ababa, who shot a 70, and Paez, who matched par 72, at 283. Each received P168,333.

First day leader Jobim Carlos also wheeled back into contention with a three-under card after 11 holes but the sophomore pro fumbled with bogeys on Nos. 12 and 16 to bow out. He also birdied the 18th to finish with a 70 for joint fifth at 284 with Zanieboy Gialon, who made a 73, and second round leader Nathan Park of Australia, who shot a 71. Each got P78,000.

Jerson Balasabas turned in a second 71 and wound up ninth at 286.