BACOLOD – Michael Bibat battled through relentless rain and unpredictable conditions to claim the first-round lead at the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic with a four-under 66 at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club on Tuesday.
Bibat rose to the occasion under challenging conditions brought by tropical depression Kristine, managing the front nine with three birdies and a lone bogey before adding birdies on Nos. 10 and 13 while others struggled to handle the muddy fairways and tough pin placements.
“Medyo swerte din, because it’s not easy to play under these conditions – rain, wind and difficult pin positions,” said Bibat, whose last victory came in 2022 at Eagle Ridge. “It (score) could’ve been lower, but I’ll take it.”
Big guns lurk
Trailing Bibat by two strokes after 68s are last week's Bacolod Challenge winner Reymon Jaraula, veteran Angelo Que, Rupert Zaragosa, and unheralded Francis Morilla.
Lakewood leg titlist Sean Ramos and Russell Bautista followed closely with 69s, while Tony Lascuña, who topped the Splendido Taal leg in harsh weather conditions, Hyun Ho Rho, Gerald Rosales and Randy Garalde carded even-par 70s, keeping the leaderboard crowded in the P2.5 million championship presented by Negros Electric and Power Corp.
Que, a veteran of harsh weather conditions from his experience on the Japan Golf Tour, emphasized the importance of focus and patience on a course that played a lot longer than its 6,424 yardage.
“We’ve faced worse conditions in Japan,” said Que, who secured his first Japan Tour title at the 2018 Top Cup Tokai Classic. “It’s all about staying focused and adjusting your game to the circumstances.”
Further down the leaderboard, several notable players posted impressive rounds. Eric Gallardo, Forest Hills leg winner Keanu Jahns, Francis Mendez, Joeleo Torrecampo, American Collin Wheeler, and amateur Bobe Salahog all shot 71s, while Iloilo champion Zanieboy Gialon, Ramil Bisera, Ryan Monsalve, Godofredo Sinfuego, and top amateur Zeus Sara registered 72s, ensuring the tournament remains competitive going into the second round.
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