Hernandez wrests Senior lead from fading Bagtas

LIPA CITY—Dave Hernandez birdied the last three holes to shoot a 1-under-par 71 yesterday and wrest a two-stroke lead over Eddie Bagtas after two rounds of the Senior Amateur Open division of the Mid Year Amateur series at the Mount Malarayat course here.

Hernandez carded a 38 on the front side and then stumbled with back-to-back bogeys on Nos. 10 and 11 before catching fire with five birdies on the last six holes.

With a 36-hole total of 145, the Canlubang stalwart overtook Bagtas, who struggled to a 2-over 74 after his opening 73.

Rolly Viray, also of Canlubang, carded a 79 to trail by eight at 153 while unheralded Zaldy Villa completed the championship flight today with a 73 for 156.

Gerald Katigbak kept top spot in the Mid Amateur Open category with a 75 for 146. Raul Montealto matched that output for second at 148 while Damas Wong had a 79 for 152 in the tournament, part of the PLDT Group National Amateur Golf Tour.

Chez Roque scored a 76 to pace the Mid Am Division 1 by two over Gerardo de Chavez.

Boom Coscolluela, special events head of the organizing National Golf Association of the Philippines, carded an 80 to lead Arnie Fuentebella by one in the Mid Am Divsion 2.

Jesus dela Peña (81), Katy Katigbak (77) and Mario Lugay (79) showed the way in the Seniors Divsion 1, Division 2 and Super Seniors, respectively, in the tournament sponsored by San Miguel, SMDC, DLSUMC, Callaway, Oakley, Golf Depot (Ping/Sligo), Mizuno, Finix and Inframachineries.

Korean Park Min-ung scored a 74 to pace the Open Elite Class with a 144 total.