Luisita fights back, trails Canlubang by 2

BACOLOD—Former pro Eddie Bagtas revived Luisita’s hopes of dethroning Seniors champion Canlubang Saturday, chalking up 51 points that reduced the title showdown into a two-point race on the final day of the 67th Philippine Airlines Interclub golf championship here.

With Bong Sison amassing 45 and Lino Magpantay contributing 44, the Luisitans, who trailed by nine points after two rounds, came up with 140 to Canlubang’s 133 for the day to set the stage for another down-the-wire duel with the Sugar Barons, who are gunning for a fourth straight crown and an eighth title in the last nine years.

The final 18 holes is set at the Marapara course of Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, where Canlubang outscored Luisita, 143-133, in the second round to grab the lead Friday.

The Sugar Barons, who will be bannered by veterans Rolly Viray and Mari Hechanova and reigning Seniors champion Abe Avena, have also proven their mettle in the final round of the last two editions, beating Luisita by three in 2012 and by six last year.

But on paper, Luisita seems to enjoy a slight edge with Francis Gaston and Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia  both knowing Marapara like the palm of their hands and comebacking Iggy Clavecilla due for an explosive round.

Luisita also performed well against Canlubang at Marapara in 2010 when the Tarlac-based club pulled off its last triumph by four points.

Playing conservatively at the tight and rolling Binitin course of the Bacolod Golf and Country Club in Murcia, Bagtas followed up his opening 52 with a 51 highlighted by two birdies against five bogeys.

He could have been a contender for the top individual plum reserved for the best total scorer on both Binitin and Marapara, but Luisita officials had no choice but to tap him Saturday to bring the team back to contention going into the final round.

Dave Hernandez, taking over from Viray, paced Canlubang with 49.

Tony Olives contributed 43 and Rene Unson, a key cog in the second round, had 41.

Negros Occidental-Marapara  clinched the Founders Division with a 392 total, 16 ahead of Alta Vista.

Victorias (326) and Sienna Plantation (318) were also beyond recall in the Sportswriters and Friendship divisions.

The third-round scores:

Championship—Canlubang  419, Luisita 417, Orchard 404, Manila Golf 396, Cebu 261, Camp John Hay 212, Club 1872 Los Angeles 193, Pittsburgh Filam 135.

Founders—NOGCC-Marapara 392, Alta Vista 376, Wack Wack 373, Riviera 372, Eagle Ridge 371, Pueblo de Oro 370,  Villamor 367, Forest Hills 362, So Cal  Redhawk 343, Apo 340, Lanang 338, PH Navy 333, Del Monte 333, Rancho Palos Verdes 315.

Sportswriters—Victorias 236, Baguio Golf 322, Mactan Island 315, Iloilo 312, UP Tee Jots 308, Bay City GC Alnieda 302, Vancouver GA 301, San Juanico 300, Maharlika 299, Guinhalaran 299, Sarangani Golf 299, Iligan Golf 295, South Cotabato 294, Vancouver City 290, IABC Int’l Alliance 285, Paoay Seiors 284, Fil-Am Central Florida 284.

Friendship—Sienna Plantation 318, Melbourne Pinoy 296, Bayanihan Golfers LV 295, Guam Seal 286, Traveller GC 285, Bennett Valley 283, Austra-Asian Melbourne 281, Taotaamona Guam 297, Mt. Malindang 279, MSU Golf 278, Leyte Golf 273, Filam SFO 271, Moffet Field 270.

Winner Circle LA 267

NOTES: This year’s edition, which drew a total of 77 teams, is co-sponsored by CrossOver with Boeing, Philippines Graphic, Stargate Media and Rogue as corporate backers.

Also lending support are Airbus, One Mega Group (Travel Now), Philippine Broadcasting Corporation and MBC.