Lascuña lead balloons to 8

AntonioLascuña. PHOTO FROM INQUIRER GOLF

ANTONIO Lascuña slowed down with a triple bogey-marred one-over 72, but demanding conditions yesterday allowed him to widen his gap to eight shots over four players heading into today’s final 18 holes of the P2-million ICTSI Forest Hills Invitational in Antipolo.

Lascuña had a 7 on the par-4 fifth for his worst nine in three rounds, going out with a 37 before steadying the ship with two of his three birdies coming home for a 54-hole 201 total.

Michael Bibat, Jay Bayron, Marvin Dumandan and Orlan Sumcad lay in a four-man logjam in second spot with 209s.

Bibat, who started the day six shots behind Lascuña, skied to a 74, Bayron and Marvin Dumandan churned out 72s, and Sumcad carved out one of five day-best 70s.

The 46-year-old Lascuña found a hazard on his approach and three-putted the fifth for that triple bogey, truly the only bad mark after three rounds of sterling effort.

“It was a gamble that I paid for,” Lascuña said, referring to a 6-iron second shot that fell a tad short.

But with just a round to go, it’s all over but the shouting for the three-time Order of Merit champion, who is seeking to add this event to his triumphs at Luisita and Eagle Ridge.

Mars Pucay, who won the last time the Philippine Golf Tour played this course in 2010, also matched par for 211 like fellow veteran Danny Zarate, who also had a 70.

Pre-tournament co-favorite Clyde Mondilla shot a 73 and stood 12 off the lead at 213.

Dutchman Guido Van Der Valk was the best placed foreigner at 215 after a 71, tied with John Rey Pactolerin and Ferdie Aunzo, who had 71 and 70, respectively. Musong R. Castillo