Mondilla wields hot putter, grabs summit lead

CLYDE Mondilla CONTRIBUTED PHOTO (FILE)

LIPA CITY, BATANGAS—Clyde Mondilla isn’t all power. He also has deft putting touch.

Combining these strong aspects, Mondilla carded a four-under 68 Wednesday and wrested a one-stroke lead over first round leader Dino Villanueva halfway through the ICTSI Players Championship at Summit Point Golf Club here.

The 24-year-old ace from Del Monte, Bukidnon, surged in front with three birdies inside 12 feet at the back where he teed off then added another on No. 3 before settling for pars that pushed him past Villanueva at nine-under 135.

“I actually struggled with my irons but my putting clicked,” said Mondilla, assured of the PGT Order of Merit title with three wins thus far.

In contrast, Villanueva bungled four birdie chances inside seven feet and settled for a 70 and 136 total.

Rey Pagunsan also fired a 68 and tied Michael Bibat, who shot a 70, at 139 in the event backed by Sta. Lucia and the Leviste group.—ROY LUARCA