BACOLOD CITY. — Order was restored in the Philippine Airlines Senior Interclub as Luisita and Canlubang returned to their familiar roles going into the final round at Bacolod Golf Club on Wednesday.
Luisita, getting 53 points from Ferdie Barbosa, shot a second-straight 145 points to tie Canlubang for the lead with identical 419 points, just a point ahead of defending champion Del Monte.
Erstwhile leader Bacolod Team B slipped into a tie with Manila Southwoods for fourth place, both teams with 416 points apiece. With just three points separating five teams, Thursday’s showdown promises to be a thrilling battle royale.
Barbosa, who had a steady round with one birdie and two bogeys, got strong support from teammates Marty Ilagan (47) and Chino Raymundo (45) as Luisita bounced back from a tough opening round at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club.
“After being down by eight on the first day, we believe we had the stronger team for the second and third days,” said Luisita non-playing captain Jeric Hechanova. “Luckily, our strategy worked, and we’re tied with Canlubang going into the final day.”
Hechanova acknowledged the loss of two key players from last year, but added, “We’ve grinded it out and are still in contention.”
Canlubang remained strong, with balanced scoring from Rolly Viray (48), Abe Rosal (47), and Abraham Avena (45), keeping the team in the thick of the race.
Del Monte matched Luisita’s 145 points behind Arsenio Mondilla’s 51, Crispin Aparilla’s 49, and Romeo Jaraula’s 45.
Bacolod Team B, the Founders division leader, is still in the hunt for history, despite a four-point penalty for pick-up rule violations.
Julius Susarno followed up his impressive 58-point performance with 52, leading Bacolod, but his teammates faltered, with Primitivo Tabujara and Allan Magallanes contributing only 40 and 39, respectively.
Manila Southwoods remained a serious threat, having posted a gutsy 140 points at Binitin. Joseph Tambunting shot 48, Monet Garcia added 47, and Judd Roy chipped in with 45. With 416 points overall, Southwoods is only three points off the lead.
“It’s going to be a free-for-all tomorrow,” said Junjun Plana, who will lead Southwoods’ final-day charge.
The 76th staging of the PAL Interclub is supported by Platinum sponsors PRIMAX Broadcasting Network and Asian Journal. Mastercard is a gold sponsor while RMN is a silver sponsor.
