Casas stays ahead by 1

CANLUBANG, Laguna—Cassius Casas slowed down with a 2-under-par 70 yesterday but still clung to a one-shot lead over Clyde Mondilla going into today’s final round of the P1-million Canlubang Invitational at the North course here.

Casas couldn’t drain the putts he rammed home with ease in the opening round on Wednesday, but the former Philippine Open champion stayed in front with a 34-36 card under demanding conditions at the tree-lined layout for a 36-hole 136 total.

Mondilla, the former national champion, mixed eight birdies against two bogeys for a 66, moving into solid contention for a breakthrough professional win at 137, with Jun Bernis trailing another stroke back with a 70.

Charles Hong followed up an opening 69 with a 70 for 139 with Jessie Balasabas and defending champion Zannie Boy Gialon, former mainstays of the multi-titled Cangolf team in the PAL Interclub, tied at 141 after a 71 and 72, respectively.

Michael Bibat rallied with a 69 and trailed by six at 142 along with Mars Pucay (70), journeyman Richard Abaring (71) and Japanese Tori Nakajima (73).

At 144 and seemingly out of the title race were former Canlubang mainstays Jonel Ababa (74) and Anthony Fernando (72) and Paul Echavez (73).

“Unlike on Wednesday, I couldn’t putt this time,” Casas said.  “I would’ve pulled away if not for my missed birdies in the closing holes.”

Casas, the 2001 Philippine Open champion, is winless since the 2010 Del Monte leg where he was declared the winner when the top players were disqualified for a rule infraction.

“I’ll try my best. But my familiarity doesn’t guarantee anything. Cassius is a veteran and Clyde is also hungry for a crown,” said Bernis.