Malaysian ace Green fires 65, seizes ADT lead

CARMONA, Cavite—Gavin Green gunned down seven birdies on the way to a six-under 65 and a one-shot clubhouse lead over Filipino Mark Fernando and two others yesterday in the ICTSI Manila Southwoods Championship ADT.

The long-hitting Malaysian, who is looking at a US PGA career, assembled nines of 33-32 in the sweltering heat in one of the late flights, overtaking Fernando, American John Jackson and Thai Pijit Petchkasem with a 131 total.

In all, 11 flights failed to complete their second rounds, counting American John Michael O’Toole, who was working on an eight-under card after 14 holes when play was called on account of darkness.

Southwoods’ Legends layout here took a severe beating for the second straight day, with Jackson shooting a 64, Fernando a bogey-free 67 and Petchkasem a 66.

“It was again one of those rounds where everything seemed to fall into place,” said Fernando, a product of the defunct National Caddies Open.

There was no other Filipino in the Top 10 with rookie pro Jobim Carlos, who had three holes remaining in his round, and Zannie Boy Gialon sharing 12th spot with Thai brothers Natthapong and Donlaphatchai Niyomchon.

Miguel Tabuena had a six-birdie 66, but, coupled with his 72 on Wednesday, trails the hulking, well-built Green by seven going into the final two rounds.

Antonio Lascuña was at three-under, also after 15 holes. He had an even 71 in the opening round.