Long-shot Jahns wrests lead

TARLAC—Sophomore pro Keanu Jahns gunned down eight birdies yesterday on the way to a 5-under-par 67 and the solo lead in the P2-million ICTSI Luisita Championship here.

Jahns, a Filipino-German, was one-over after three holes before shooting down four straight birds from No. 4 and repeating the feat from the 10th for nines of 33-34 that included a double bogey-6 on the 15th.

With an 11-under 133, the lanky Jahns found himself leading a pro tournament for the first time, with the seasoned Charles Hong hot on his heels with 134 after a 68.

Hong, who shared the lead overnight with Jahns, Albin Engino and Clyde Mondilla after opening with 66s, gunned down six birdies against two bogeys.

Mondilla dropped two strokes off the pace after a 69.

Frankie Miñoza, the legendary shotmaker from Bukidnon who won the last pro event at Luisita in 1989, stayed within striking distance. The 54-year-old shot a 68 and lay just three shots off Jahns.

Jonel Ababa and the obscure Rolando Marabe were tied at 137 after a 67 and 70, respectively.

Antonio Lascuña improved on his first-round 71 with a 67 but still stood five behind the pace, even as Engino shot a 73 and lay six back in the company of four others, including Japan’s Toru Nakajima, who fired a 67 and Elmer Salvador, who signed for a 69.

The Robert Trent Jones-designed gem, now owned by restaurateur Martin Lorenzo, continued to be pounded by the talented field with 28 players remaining under par.

The cut was pegged at 147 and among the notable casualties were leg winner Arnold Villacencio, who followed up an opening 70 with a 78, and former Philippine Open champion Robert Pactolerin (75-76).