CASSIUS Casas, the country’s former No. 1, and Tony Lascuña, currently the hottest player on the local circuit, slug it out at the start of the ICTSI Pilipinas Invitational at Manila Southwoods’ Legends Course in Carmona, Cavite, today.
The duo affirmed their readiness to contend for the top P650,000 purse as Lascuña led his team that included Manolo Agojo, Jung Duk Chang and Thirdy Escaño to victory with an 18-under 54 in yesterday’s pro-am.
Casas’ squad composed of Mike Igarashi, Eric Jaudines and Richie Santos also scored a 54 but lost the title in the countback.
Dante Beciera, with Arnel Paras, Urbano Burgos and Gerry Sy, finished third with 55.
“This is a good pairing. I really want to play with Onyot (Lascuña), who’s been playing well lately,” said Casas, on the eve of the third of four P3.5 million tournaments lined up by organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. this year.
Lascuña has won four tournaments this year, including the last two on the ICTSI PGT calendar—the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic last July and the recent Aboitiz Invitational at Rivieral’s Couples layout.
Lascuña is eyeing a third straight championship at Southwoods after beating Angelo Que in 2012 and Jhonnel Ababa and Miguel Tabuena last year.
Lascuña is also out to firm up his bid for a third straight Order of Merit crown in the circuit backed by Nike Golf, Pacsports Phils. Inc., Srixon, Callaway, Mizuno, Empire Golf, Footjoy, Titleist, Custom Clubmakers, Sharp and KZG, Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., ABS-CBN Sports & Action, Balls and Inquirer Golf.