Dutch posts 3-shot lead

Dutch Guido Van der Valk banked on a hot frontside to shoot a one-under 71 and post a three-shot lead over local ace Tony Lascuna and Jay Bayron in the ICTSI Manila Masters at Eastridge Golf Club in Binangonan, Rizal.

The Manila-based Van der Valk, still searching for a breakthrough victory on the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour, canned three birdies in the first nine holes, overtaking flightmate Lascuña, who tumbled with a 39 due to poor putting.

Though he bogeyed the two par-3s at the back for 38, Van der Valk surged ahead with a four-under 212 total as Lascuña ballooned to a 76 and fell into a tie with Bayron, who fired an eagle-spiked 71, at 215.

“I played pretty well. My putting, irons and short game were simply good,” said Van der Valk. —ROY LUARCA