ICTSI Riviera Classic Casas, Asistio ahead by one
SILANG, Cavite—Veteran Cassius Casas birdied three times coming in to share the lead with Antonio Asistio II on matching even-par 71s after the first round Wednesday of the P1-million ICTSI Riviera Classic at the Riviera’s Langer course.
Casas, looking to end a year-long title drought, and Asistio, who started hot with two early birdies, stood a stroke clear of former national amateur champion Anthony Fernando.
Chasing a maiden victory in the 16-stage ICTSI-Philippine Golf Circuit Tour, Fernando cushioned the weight of two double bogeys with four birdies at the ravine-laced layout.
Randy Garalde had the lead all by himself until he bogeyed his last three holes for a 73, in a five-way logjam for fourth with tournament favorite Jay Bayron, Jhonnel Ababa, Rey Pagunsan and Rami Bisera.
Bayron, coming off a win at Aboitiz Invitational presented by ICTSI in Cebu three weeks ago, wavered with three bogeys coming in.
ICTSI-Iloilo Golf Challenge winner Ababa matched Bayron’s nines of 35-38.
Gene Bondoc shot a 74 and stood three shots off the pace, along with a triumvirate of amateurs in Clyde Mondilla, Art Arbole and Korean Wang Jeung-hun.
Jerson Balasabas fired a 75 for a share of 13th place with Christopher delos Santos, Richard Sinfuego, Ebarra Quiachon, Dante Becierra , James Ryan Lam, Richard Abaring and amateur Zanie Boy Gialon.
Mhark Fernando, winner of this tournament as an amateur in 2009, shot himself in the foot with a horrible 41 on the front nine and limped home with an 81.
At joint 54th, the ICTSI Del Monte leg winner is in danger of missing the cut for the third time in 11 legs of the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.
Marvin Dumandan struggled to a 76 and ended up in a tie with Danny Zarate, Rufino Bayron, Edwin Estrera and Charles Hong.
The event is backed by MJ Carr Golf Management, Srixon, Callaway, Unilab, BDO, Titleist, Sharp, Custom Clubmakers, Mizuno, PinoyGolfer.com, Inquirer Golf, Omnisource, A Round of Golf, Studio 23, Balls, and Dynamic Sports.
