Chan, Corpus move to match play quarters

MANILA, Philippines — Aidric Chan and Carl Corpus eased past their lower-seeded rivals and came away with two victories each to stay on collision course in the Philippine Amateur Open Match Play Golf Championships at the Orchard’s Players course in Dasmariñas, Cavite yesterday.

The top-seeded Chan fashioned out a pair of 5&4 romps, beating Korean Lee Sang Min in the first round of the knockout phase in the morning then booting out Masaichi Otake in scorching heat in afternoon play to lead the men’s quarters cast in the event sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation.

“Overall, my game worked well, especially putting although I played with pressure since I am the top seed,” said Chan, a graduating student at Ateneo. “Match play is tough since it’s anybody’s game but I’m confident.”

Corpus, who placed second to Chan in the 36-hole stroke play elims, survived Michael Pizarro, 1-up, then dominated Gabby Macalaguim, 5&4, to clinch the other quarters berth in the lower half of the draw in the week-long event serving as part of the PLDT Group National Amateur Golf Tour.

Macalaguim downed Alex Trinos, 3&2, in morning play but struggled against Corpus while Otake also failed to measure up to Chan’s superb game after scoring an imposing 5&3 victory over Martin Mendoza.