Jobim Carlos seizes lead in Canlubang Amateurs as Princess Superal, Pauline del Rosario set pace in ladies division

JOBIM Carlos had a bogey-birdie finish, carding a three-under 69 for a one-shot lead over Jelbert Gamolo on Thursday in the second round of the Canlubang Amateur Open at the South Course of the Canlubang golf complex in Laguna.

Carlos hit back-to-back birdies from No. 14 to seize control but reeled back with a missed green bogey on the tough par-3 17th.

The fancied 22-year-old shotmaker struck back on the par-5 finishing hole and found himself on top at 139.

Gamolo, who started the round one stroke clear, moved two strokes ahead with birdie on the opening hole but missed a couple of birdie chances in the next eight holes.

Carlos came through with birdies on Nos. 14 and 15, while Gamolo settled for pars the rest of the way for a 71 and a 140 total.

Riviera’s Ira Alido put on a strong finishing kick with three birdies to card a 70 and move up to third at 142, just three shots off Carlos with 18 holes to play in this 15th staging of the tournament.

Luis Castro added a 75 to his opening-round 70 to drop to fourth, while Southwoods’ Japanese bet Yuto Katsuragawa turned in a 74 for a 147 total.

Korea’s Park Min Ung of Riviera, the defending back-to-back winner, limped with a 77 for a 150.

In the ladies division, former US Girls Junior champion Princess Superal played true to form and fired a four-under 68, matching defending champion and The Country Club teammate Pauline del Rosario.

Yuka Saso of Southwoods, Sam Martirez, of TCC and Riviera’s Euna Koh fired 69s.