Surigao seizes lead; big guns play today

BAGUIO, Philippines – Ramon Capistrano shot a two-over 71 worth 34 points as Team Surigao I pooled a 121 to wrest a one-point lead over Haciendas De Naga in Fil-A division halfway through the 63rd Fil-Am Invitational golf tournament at Camp John Hay here yesterday.

Six shots behind Haciendas and at third spot after the first round, Surigao rallied behind Capistrano while Roy Abalos added 30, and Ed Lopez and Carlo Packing chipped in 29 and 28 points, respectively, for that 121 and a 234.

Bong Sison scored 33 points for Haciendas de Naga, which slowed down with a 114 for a 233. The team also got 30 from Junie Fontanilla, 27 from Park Jong Won and 24 from Bobby Inigo.

Joel Yamyamin scored 27 points to lead Rural Bankers I’s 107-point output for joint third at 223.

Villa Cacho, with Jeff Bernaldez scoring 34 points, also pooled a 223 after a 116 while Philippine Navy drew 33 points from Carlos Packing as it assembled a 114.

Ret. police general Villamor Bumanglag made a 27 as Benlife Golf Team I came through with a 96 for a 187 and an eight-point lead in Am A.

With the 26 of Joey Solis, the 22 and 21s of Chez Roque and Peter Murray, Benlife pulled away from Team Surigao I which shot 94 for a 179 with Surigao del Norte Gov. Robert Ace Barbers and Efren Alvez shooting identical 27 points.

Forest Hills Country Club assembled 92 for a 172 to get past Fil-Am Chicago, which struggled with an 87 and 171, in the event which offers two Toyota Vios cars for hole-in-one feats on No. 10 at Baguio Country Club and on No. 18 of the CJH layout.

Meanwhile, action in the premiere Fil-Champ begins today with the Mizuno Superstars seeking a repeat win in the tournament backed by Toyota, Adams Golf, Pacsports, Nike Golf, Empire Golf, Wilson and Rudy Project.

With Che’lus Seabridge out of the roster this year, Mizuno is bracing for a title showdown with Southwoods.

“With Jun Jun Plana still in the line up, Southwoods remains a big threat,” said Mizuno’s King Stehmeier. 

The first 36 holes of the centerpiece event will be played at the par-69 CJH with the shorter but trickier Baguio Country Club hosting the last two rounds.