TONY Lascuña fired an eagle-aided 67 to take a three-shot lead over Jhonnel Ababa after the second round of the P2 million ICTSI Valley Golf Challenge on Thursday in Antipolo.
Lascuña made an eagle on No. 17, hitting 3-wood for his second shot from 250 yards to 12 feet.
The veteran, who also had a chance at eagle on No. 5 but three-putted and made par, was at eight-under 136.
“Binawi ko lang yung three-putts ko sa No. 5 na pang-eagle sana at yung maling desisyon ko sa No. 16,” said Lascuna, referring to his lone bogey on the 16th where instead of a hitting 3-iron off the tee, he opted for a 5-wood and found a water hazard.
Ababa carded a 70 for a 139, while first-round leader Cassius Casas had a 72 for 140 with two rounds left in the event sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc.
Casas, fired an opening 68, eagled the par-5 11th but bogeyed two of the next seven holes.
“Sayang, maganda sana ang umpisa sa backnine. Pero two rounds pa naman, malaki pa ang chance na makabawi,” said Casas, seeking his first Tour win this year and second title overall after ruling The Country Club Invitational last February.
Eric Mina bounced back from a 73 with a 68 to move up nine places to fourth at three-under 141 in a tie with Elmer Saban who shot a 70. Carl Santos-Ocampo posted a second straight 71 to sit in sixth spot at two-under 142.
Korean-American Micah Shin carded a 73, while Robert Pactolerin and Albin Engino shot identical 70s for 143s.
Elmer Salvador, tied with Lascuna and Ababa at second at the start of the day, limped home with a 75 marred by a triple-bogey on par-4 No. 13 for a 146.
Long-hitting Orlan Sumcad fired four straight birdies from No. 14 and wound up with a 69 to join Rufino Bayron (73) and Ferdie Aunzo (70) in 10th at 144.
Charles Hong, winner at Sherwood, bounced back from a woeful opening 75 with a 70 for a 145 in a tie with Arnold Villacencio (71), Mars Pucay (72), Clyde Mondilla (72) and Paul Echavez (75).
Miguel Tabuena, who hobbled with a 78 in the first round, shot a 71 for a 149 in the tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and backed by Nike Golf, KZG, Titleist, Cleveland, Pacsports, Srixon, Callaway, Sharp, FootJoy and Custom Clubmakers, which offers P50,000 for the Player of the Year award at the end of the season.
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