Pinoy golfers 4 shots behind Singaporeans

VIENTIANE – The fancied Philippine men’s team, hobbled by poor putting, failed to overcome first-day jitters and settled for a one-under 215 for fourth, four shots behind Singapore in the first round of the men’s golf competition in the 25th SEA Games at the Boo Young Golf Club here.

Antonio Asistio II and Mhark Fernando turned in identical one-under-par 71s while Jhonnel Ababa struggled with a one-over 73 for the team’s 215 output.

Judson Eustaquio, inserted into the team in place of Rufino Bayron, carded a two-over 74 and didn’t count in the four-to-play, three-to-count format event.

“It was just probably the first day jitters. Their long shots were okay overall. We need to make a fine tuning with their putting strokes,” said RP team coach Tommy Manotoc.

Fernando, the reigning national champion who recently won a pro tournament back home, made a three-putt mishap on No. 8 while Ababa, who bested the cream of the crop to win the Cangolf Am Open last October, had a four-putt blunder at the par-4 No. 4.

While Team RP struggled on the greens, Singapore frolicked with birdies as Jonathan Leong and newcomer Johnson Poh came through with identical three-under-par 69s to spearhead the team’s first round charge. Jonathan Woo added 73 for Singapore’s five-under 211 aggregate, threes shots ahead of Thailand, which had a 214.

The Thais, also fancied to crowd the RP bets for the crown, actually took command early with a six-under aggregate after nine holes. But they failed to sustain their charge and settled for that two-under total in a tie with Myanmar.

Soe Moe Wasin paced Thailand with a three-under 69 but veteran Thanyakorn Khrongpa settled for a 71 after a sizzling 32 at the turn. Wongsakorn Choowong finished with a two-over 74 and counted for the team.

“The Thais may be behind for now but I’m pretty sure they’ll come back strong. For me, they are still the team to look out for,” Manotoc said.

Meanwhile, Dottie Ardina, Chihiro Ikeda and Mia Piccio begin their gold medal bid in the ladies side of the event, hoping to put up a strong performance for the early lead in the 54-hole tournament.

“I can feel the competitive fire in the girls’ eyes. I can judge by the way they hack it out with confidence and pride. I hope they can show that beginning tomorrow,” said RP ladies coach Bong Lopez, also the head of the ICTSI golf team.