Bibat takes two-shot lead at Riviera

Michael Bibat gunned down six birdies on the way to a five-under-par 66 and a two-shot lead at the start of the $100,000 ICTSI Riviera Classic here.

The former Asian Games bronze medalist, still seeking a follow-up to a breakthrough pro title in 2013, hit five of those birdies in the tough back nine to complete a 34-32 card and lead Englishman Grant Jackson, Jun Bernis, Erwin Arcillas and Chucky Hong.

The multititled Antonio Lascuna fired a 69 to be three behind like Rufino Bayron, South African Mathiam Keyser even as defending champion Clyde Mondilla opened with a horrendous 78.

Jessie Balasabas, who won the ICTSI Masters on Saturday at Villamor, was way out of synch with a 79 and would need a truly big second round to stick around in the weekend and keep alive his back-to-back bid.

There were 11 players at 70 counting Americans John Michael O’Toole and Micah Shin and the veteran Mars Pucay.

Jackson, who tied for 19th at Luisita last month, couldn’t sustain a hot start with his three birdies coming in the first five holes. He played his last 13 at level.