Wide-open Splendido Classic tees off

MANILA, Philippines — The wide-open P1.5-million ICTSI Splendido Classic unfolds Wednesday in Tagaytay with all eyes on Clyde Mondilla and Miguel Tabuena, who are both looking to atone for final-round collapses just four days ago in a strong international event.

Mondilla, who stuck at the coattails of the leaders for three days at the Solaire Open in Laguna only to flounder in the final 18 holes and finish joint seventh along with Tabuena, resumes his quest for a maiden pro win in the 72-hole tournament.

“It was an experience I will remember,” said Mondilla, who wants to follow in the footsteps of provincemate Frankie Miñoza, after closing out with a two-over-par 73 at The Country Club on Sunday.

“As I play along, I will gain the experience needed to finally win one.”

Tabuena, on the other hand, believes that he is in for a good year despite blowing another big chance for his first international win.

A spate of front-nine bogeys eased him out of contention at TCC after starting the final round just one stroke down.

“This is my first time to finish in the Top 10 of an Asian Tour event,” the 19-year-old Tabuena said. “I believe that this will be a good year for me.”

All but one of the country’s big guns—Angelo Que—have confirmed participation with the evergreen Miñoza and Antonio Lascuña also tipped as favorites in the event that dangles P270,000 to the champion.

A slew of young guns, including debuting pros Keanu Jahns and lefty Andres Saldaña is also in the roster of the tournament also backed by by Nike Golf, Custom Clubmakers, Titleist, Cleveland, Pacsports, Srixon, Callaway, Sharp and FootJoy with Balls TV and ABS-CBN Sports+Action as media partners. Elmer Saban, the former caddy from Apo Golf in Davao, is the defending champion.