ELMER Salvador flashed brilliant form yet again, draining six birdies yesterday on the way to a five-under-par 66 and a three-shot lead over Clyde Mondilla going into the final round today of the P1.5-million ICTSI Riviera Championship in Silang, Cavite.
The former Philippine Open champion hit three straight birdies from No. 2 and then closed out with another to conquer the ravine-laden Langer layout for the second straight day for a 54-hole 205 aggregate.
Mondilla, the young long-hitter from Bukidnon, dropped a shot on the 18th hole and settled for a 68 even as Antonio Lascuña bounced back from a horrendous second round with a 67 that put the three-time Order of Merit champion within five.
The Langer course was at its toughest thus far, yielding just five sub-par cards, with Rufino Bayron shooting a 69 and Miguel Tabuena a 68 to be at 211 and 212, respectively.
Evergreen Frankie Miñoza, who shared the second round lead with Salvador, struggled to a 74 to fall into a tie for sixth at 213 with the veteran Mars Pucay who returned a 72.
“It’s been a while since I last won,” said Salvador in Filipino. “I just hope to go all the way. I have been hitting it well the past two rounds.
Salvador, who won this event last year while it was still a part of the Asian Development Tour, carded a 67 on Thursday to get in the mix.
Lascuña, who is still seeking a first victory this year after ruling five events last season, will be looking back at a fat quadruple bogey on No. 11 on Thursday for setting him back.