LESS than a week removed from besting a tough international field, Jay Bayron looms as the player to beat when the Philippine Golf Tour resumes tomorrow with the ICTSI Riviera Classic at the complex’s challenging Langer course in Silang, Cavite.
The 37-year-old Bayron, who turned back Malaysia’s Gavin Green to win the $100,000 Aboitiz Invitational of the Asian Development Tour in Wack Wack by a shot on Saturday, banners a 75-strong field chasing the P270,000 champion’s prize.
“I hope to just keep playing well,” Bayron said in Filipino after a practice round at the ravine-laden, par-71 wind-swept layout.
Antonio Lascuña, after finishing fourth in Wack Wack, resumes his chase for a fifth crown this season over a course that varies distinctly in character compared to the East course in Mandaluyong.
“It’s another strong field,” Lascuña, who plays out of Southwoods in Carmona, Cavite, said in Filipino. “It’s still going to be anybody’s race.”
The event also has an international sprinkling with long-time Philippine resident Guido Van Der Valk of The Netherlands, a handful of Japanese and several South Koreans also entered.
Elmer Salvador, the former PH Open winner who has been title-less for quite some time now, will also be playing together with former leg winners Cassius Casas, Charles Hong, Mars Pucay, Jonel Ababa and talented rookie Jobim Carlos and Justin Quiban.
Clyde Mondilla, a two-time winner this season, withdrew after the second round of the Aboitiz because of a back injury. Organizers are still awaiting word of his participation here. Musong R. Castillo