Beefed-up Cangolf ready for PAL crown defense

DAVAO—Abe Rosal makes his Senior division debut as he tries to help Canlubang defend its title against a beefed-up Luisita side at the start of the Philippine Airlines Interclub championship on Wednesday at tree-lined Apo Golf here.

A member of numerous Men’s champion teams of Cangolf, Rosal joins a team that will try to plug a huge hole left by Tommy Manotoc, the many-time individual champion who had to leave for the United States to be with son Gab in his first NCAA tournament.

Mike Presyler is also a new addition to the Sugar Barons and the former national team member is likewise expected to play a key role as Canlubang guns for its 10th title in 12 years.

Rosal and Preysler join old hands Dave Hernandez, Rolly Viray, Mari Hechanova, Abe Avena, Rene Unson, Zaldy Villa and another newcomer, Damasus Wong.

The Luisitans, meanwhile, are dead set on ending Cangolf’s domination of the Senior ranks after signing up Rodel Mangulabnan, Raffy Garcia, Edmund Yee and Allan Alegre from different men’s teams.

Mangulabnan was a key figure in Orchard’s past men’s teams and will be a welcome addition to a Luisita crew that already features Eddie Bagtas, Jinky Tuason, Benjie Sumulong and Chito Laureta.

The teams play at Apo in the first round before action goes to well-manicured Rancho Palos Verdes for the second and third rounds.

As usual, the title will be decided at Apo on Saturday and as always, fielding will be crucial.

A total of 90 teams, including 51 from overseas, are taking part in the four-day event. The field is divided into four categories—Championship, Founders, Sportswriters and Friendship.

The event is supported by Mareco Broadcasting Network, A&E Networks Asia, Radio Mindanao Network, The Manila Standard, Fox Networks Group, Rolls Royce, TV5, TFC (ABS-CBN) as well as Asian Air Safari, Airbus and Primax Broadcasting Network.

Corporate sponsors include Baron Travel, Boeing, MX3, GE Aviation, Bombo Radyo, Asia Brewery and Sabre Airline Solutions. Donors include Shangri-La, Trinity Insurance and Eton Properties.