New ICTSI Tour fires off at Splendido

MANILA, Philippines—Antonio Lascuña comes into the first event of the new ICTSI Tour season in excellent form as he guns for the Splendido Classic title that tees off today at the ravine-laden layout in chilly Tagaytay.

The winner of five of nine events he entered last year, Lascuña will be a marked man in the P2-million event touching off the 16-leg Tour.

All the other big guns, except for Juvic Pagunsan, are entered in the 72-hole championship. Challenging Lascuña are Angelo Que, Frankie Miñoza, Miguel Tabuena and defending champion Jay Bayron, who rallied from nine strokes down in the final round last year to nip younger brother Rufino by a shot.

A good number of foreigners coming from the Q School will also be making their debut, even as Tonlits Asistio, the hero for Southwoods in its triumphant PAL Interclub campaign in Bacolod last month, makes his return to the pro ranks in the tournament.

“The tournaments will certainly be tougher this season,” Lascuña told the Inquirer in Filipino before playing his regular practice round at Southwoods over the weekend.

“Everyone has been practicing, getting ready for the season.”

Que has also been playing regularly at the Masters layout to get his game in top shape as the former Philippine Open champion likewise seeks to start his season strong.