ROOKIE Jobim Carlos shot a second straight three-under-par 69 yesterday and zoomed to a two-shot lead over obscure Rene Menor halfway through the P3.5-million ICTSI Manila Masters at Eastridge in Binangonan, Rizal.
The 23-year-old Carlos dropped his only shot on the par-5 18th hole but paced a tournament for the first time in his young pro career with a 138 total as Menor, the first-round leader with a 68, could only match par for a 240 total.
Clyde Mondilla and Jay Bayron lay another two shots behind at 242.
Mondilla, the hardworking long-hitter from Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon, also had four birdies against the same number of bogeys in an even 72, while Bayron, the Philippine Open runner up to American Berry Henson in 2011, fired another 71.
Defending champion Angelo Que lost some ground after a 75 put him nine strokes behind at 147, in the company of Japan’s Yuta Sudo, who shot a 73, and American Sam Ayotte, who assembled a 72.
Miguel Tabuena matched par 72 and lay another shot back at 148, in a tie with American Kevin Marques, who had a 73, and five others.
Carlos, the former Philippine team spearhead, was also in prime position to win at Manila Southwoods a month ago.
“The experience I gained from those tournaments is helping me,” said Carlos, an advertising graduate from the University of San Francisco. “Those tournaments taught me a lot and I know how to handle the pressure now.”
Menor actually bounced back from a horrid front-nine 38 after a bogey-double bogey by canning two of his four birdies on his last nine holes.
The veteran Frankie Miñoza returned a 72 and stood five strokes off the pace at 143. The Champions Tour veteran in the United States threw away a hot start after a triple bogey-bogey start to his back nine.