DAVAO—Brian Kim fired a one-under-par 71 yesterday and widened his lead to seven shots over Jelbert Gamolo going into the final round of the last elimination leg of the Sta. Lucia Amateur Series at Rancho Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club.
The Korean expatriate carded nines of 35-36 to post a 36-hole total of 144 and move closer to a berth in the Tournament of Champions later this month.
“It will be exciting if I make it there,” said the 27-year-old Eagle Ridge standout, who is keen on facing countryman Park Min-ung and national team ace Rupert Zaragosa in the finale at Beverly Place Golf Club in Pampanga.
Gamolo, who opened with a 74 at the long, undulating layout, managed a 77 for 151 in the tournament sponsored by Wilcon Depot, Pomelo Tee, Davies Paints, Mizuno and Kang Ho Bong.
Jerico Bajo turned in a 77 and paced Class A by one shot over Ronald Galicia and two over businessman Toffee Tionko.
Ian Dagatan and Nelson Ventura led Class B lead with 82s, followed by Wendell Adlao (83) and Dante Felizarta (84).
Jaime Tan Sr. (74) and Japanese Kitamura Kinichi (75) were 1-2 going into today’s Seniors division battle. Maricel Kim carded an 80 to pace the ladies side.
Tournament backers: ICSI, AQEI, WGC Golf, Isuzu, Dizon Farms, Texas Eagle, Rub Ribs, VMJ Evergreen, Ecostrong, U-Frieght, Gatorade, Dunlop, Boysen, Security Bank, Royale Homes and Microtel.