PH senior golfers trail Aussies by 27

Abe Avena and Mari Hechanova fired seven-under-par 79s yesterday as the Philippines fell behind by 27 points to Australia after the opening round of the Asia-Pacific Senior Amateur Golf Championship at Alabang in Muntinlupa.

With former Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia managing just 83 and Benjie Sumulong good for only 85, the Filipinos practically kissed their title chances goodbye with a 326 as the Aussies opened up with a 299 built around the 73 of Greg Rhodes.

Rolly Viray and Alan Alegre fired an 86 and 87, respectively, and failed to count for the Philippines, which came into the tournament seeking to reclaim the title it last won in 2007.