SAM MARTIREZ carded a three-over 75 but still posted an eight-stroke lead over local bet Tham Soot Yuet in the second round of the Malaysia 100 Plus Junior golf tournament at Sabah Golf Club.
Martinez, who opened up with a 74, hit one birdie against four bogeys but the top ICTSI-backed bet pounced on the erstwhile leaders’ struggle to seize control at 149 in Class A.
Yuet made a 77 for 157 while Sarah Tan of Singapore lay at 158 after a 78.
Abby Arevalo, also a member of Team ICTSI, struggled with an 81 and slid to seventh at 161.
Sofia Chabon shot a 77 for a 155, two strokes behind Suthavee Chanachai of Thailand and Taiwanese Chang Yi Chia in Class B.
Chanachai carded a 78 but caught up with Chang, who skied to an 81, at 153. Team ICTSI’s Mikha Fortuna shot an 81 for 162.