Villaroman tops RP Open qualifying
By Musong R. Castillo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:32:00 03/27/2008
MANILA, Philippines—Carito Villaroman assembled a one-over-par 73 Wednesday to lead nine other “rabbits” into the 92nd Philippine Open proper scheduled Thursday next week at the fabled East course of Wack Wack in Mandaluyong City.
The former junior world wonder, who continues to struggle as a pro, bogeyed two of his last four holes for a 38 coming home but still topped the 36-hole qualifying by a stroke with a level 144 total at the Villamor layout over amateur Erwin Vinluan.
The long-hitting former national team mainstay churned out a 74 for 145.
Four other amateurs won spots to the main draw, three of them—Jessie Balasabas, Paul Echavez and Zannie Boy Gialon—coming from the National Caddies’ Open program at Calatagan in Batangas.
Balasabas, the second NCO champion, fired a level 72 to finish at 148; Echavez fired a 73 to share fifth with pro Edwin Sanchez at 149, while the 18-year-old Gialon matched Echavez’ 73 to secure the eighth slot at 151.
Jan Coup Tambogon was the fifth amateur to advance despite shooting a second round 78 for 150.
Ronald Pactolerin, younger brother of former RP Open and Masters winner Robert Pactolerin, shot a day-best 70 and finished third at 146 even as Vic Santia tied Gialon at 151 with a 74.
Ronnie Torrecampo booked the 10th and final slot by winning out in a four-man playoff with a routine par on the third sudden death hole with fellow former Canlubang mainstay Jun Bernis.
The final scores:
144—C. Villaroman 71-73; 145—E. Vinluan (Am) 71-74; 146—R. Pactolerin 76-70; 148—J. Balasabas (Am) 76-72; 149—P. Echavez (Am) 76-73, E. Sanchez 76-73; 150—J. Tambogon (Am) 72-78; 151—Z. Gialon (Am) 78-73, V. Santia 77-74; 152—R. Torrecampo 77-75, J, Bernis 77-75, R. Marabe 76-76, J. Pilac 76-76; 153—E. Bagtas 81-72; 154—J. Cedo 76-78, G. Bondoc (Am) 75-79, J. Pactolerin 73-81; 155—M. Reanturco (Am) 77-78, R. Bayron (Am) 74-81
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