Asistio, Ababa pace Sabah Jr Masters

Antonio Asistio matched par 72 to grab a three-stroke lead over Malaysian Alexander Lau in the second round of the fourth Sabah International Junior Masters at the Sabah Golf and Country Club in Sabah, Malaysia late Wednesday.

Asistio, winner of the Bay Regional Am Championship in the US, made two birdies against the same number of bogeys for that 72 as he broke out of a three-way tie for first for the solo lead in the 54-hole premier 19-21 years old division.

Together with his opening four-over 76, the top ICTSI-backed bet pooled a 148 for a three-shot lead over Lau, who fumbled with a 75 for a 151 while Wilson Choo, the other first day co-leader, limped home with a 77 for a 153.

Sarah Ababa, winner of the recent Penang Amateur, shot a 77 but remained on top with Kelly Tan after two rounds of play in the 13-15 bracket.

Ababa, who had a 78 in the first day, had a 155 for a share of the lead with Tan, who made an 81, while Vivienne Chin carded an 80 for third at 163.

Chihiro Ikeda, chasing a fifth title in the season, made a 76 for a 156 to trail Sharaon Lau by three in the premier girls 16-18 championship. Lau also had a 76 for a 153.