ANTIPOLO – Carl Corpus outduelled season pro Guido van der Valk across 36 holes, firing a brilliant seven-under par 65 to storm ahead by four shots over Clyde Mondilla in the ICTSI Valley Golf Challenge on Wednesday.
Consistency – and flashes of brilliance – once again defined Corpus’ performance at the Valley Golf course he calls home. He peppered his round with two eagles and six birdies, including a late surge that widened his gap from the chasing pack.
Keeping mistakes to a minimum, he turned in just two bogeys on his way to a 10-under 134, seizing full control of the P2-million championship.
No rookie jitters for Corpus
The 24-year-old rookie has positioned himself not only for a breakthrough PGT victory but also for redemption. He previously led the elite Caliraya Springs field for two days in August before stumbling with a final-round 73 and settling for joint fifth.
Still, heavy contenders remain lined up behind him.
Mondilla stayed within striking distance with a 71 after an opening 67 for a 138 total.
“My shots were not as sharp as in the first round. But okay lang and the game plan stays – just make a lot of birdies and focus on each game day,” he said, intent on applying pressure over the final 36 holes.
Arnold Villacencio fired a 67 anchored by four birdies in his last five holes for a 139, while recent South Pacific leg winner Jeffren Lumbo rebounded with a 68 to tie Angelo Que at 140 in fourth place.
Que, after a sterling six-birdie, one-bogey opening round, hobbled with a 73 that slowed his bid for both a third leg title and the Order of Merit crown.
Van der Valk fired a 66 that lifted him into a share of sixth at 141 with Fidel Concepcion (70), Ryan Monsalve (69), and Tae Won Ha (72).
Corpus had earlier broken through internationally when he and cousin Aidric Chan made history by winning back-to-back Asian Development Tour titles in Morocco last June. But on the PGT circuit, a title remained elusive – until now, where everything seems to be falling in place.
Forty-five players advanced to the weekend at 150, including Luis Bagtas (74), Josh Jorge (75), Gerald Rosales (75), Gabriel Manotoc (75), Ivan Monsalve (76), Dan Cruz (76) and Junior PGT standout Alexis Nailga (73).
Amateur Bobe Salahog carded a 73 but safely made the cut at 143, tied for 12th.
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