INQUIRER Sports

MANILA, Philippines ? More than the players seeking to win for the second time this year, and Ferdie Aunzo gunning for the first back-to-back romp in the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour, a host of up-and-comers loom as formidable bets for a breakthrough when the P1-million Forest Hills leg tees off Wednesday.

All eyes, naturally, will be on the in-form Aunzo, a former national amateur champion who will be seeking to pull off the first consecutive victories in the fledgling tour.

Past leg winners Danny Zarate, Marvin Dumandan and Elmer Salvador are also in the field, making for an interesting chase for the P200,000 top purse at the up-and-down layout in Antipolo City.

And there are young pros Jun Bernis, Gene Bondoc, Jerome Delariarte and Jay Bayron to look out for, with the veterans like Cassius Casas, Robert Pactolerin, Carito Villaroman, Ruben Sasutil and Benjie Magada also capable of winning.

A host of amateurs are also entered, led by Rufino Bayron and reigning RP Amateur champ Mark Fernando, who won the Valley leg last year and the Riviera stop last month, respectively.

A pro-am featuring amateur guests from the event?s sponsors kicked off the 54-hole tournament Tuesday.