Philippine Sports News and Updates

MANILA, Philippines - Rufino Bayron made a bold move in the second round by coming though with a six-under-66 to seize a share of the lead with Antonio Asistio in the Philippine team qualifying tournament Thursday at the Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa City.

Bayron gunned down six birdies while saving par twice for a blemish-free card of 33-33. Along with his opening 72, he was at 148 alongside Asistio in the event which will determine the four-man RP squad to the Putra Cup.

Asistio, a national mainstay last year, only managed a one-over 73 after a sizzling 65 on Wednesday.

They hold a comfortable seven-stroke advantage over Mhark Fernando and Peter Villaber heading into the final 18 holes of the initial qualifier conducted by the National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP).

Fernando, who romped away with the national amateur crown at Eastridge last month,
bogeyed two of the first four holes and held on at the back with an even par for a 74 and a 145.

Villaber matched that 145 output with a 71, spiked by an eagle-2 on the par-4 No. 2 but marred by a double-bogey on No. 12. He needed to birdie No. 16 for that one-under card.

Jhonnel Ababa bounced back from a woeful 75 in the first round with a 72, moving up to solo fifth with a 147 while John Kier Abdon of Southwoods also shot a 72 for a 148.

Albin Engino also made a 72 for a 150 while Miko Alejandro and Dante Becierra ballooned with 83 and 81 after a pair of impressive opening rounds of 68 and 70, respectively, for identical 151s.

Dino Villanueva of Eastridge hardly recovered from a 77 with a 76 for a 153.

• GMANews.TV
• Philippine Sports Central