Lewton takes lead; Tabuena 2 behind

STA. ROSA, LAGUNA—Familiarity with the intricacies of The Country Club reaped dividends for Steve Lewton of England on Friday as he wrested solo leadership in the Solaire Philippine Open here.

Having practiced at the wind-raked layout the last few weeks, Lewton birdied the 17th hole to cap his one-under-par 71 that raised his total to 141, two strokes up on erstwhile pacesetter John Catlin of the US, Filipino ace Miguel Tabuena, Thai Rattanon Wannarischan and Johannes Veerman, also of the US.

“I’ve been practicing here the last few weeks and I like it (course) a lot,” said Lewton, a 33-year-old touring pro from North Hampton, England, who shot 70 Thursday,

“The wind makes it difficult, but [it is] not ridiculously strong,” added Lewton.

Tabuena, the top pick here following his victory in the TCC Invitationals three weeks back, settled for a 73.

Starting at the back, Tabuena bogeyed No. 11 and birdied No. 17 for a 36. Bogeys on Nos. 2 and 5 and a birdie on No. 8 accounted for his 37 coming home.

Wannasrichan moved up following a 71, while Veerman, lifted by eagles on the par 5 eighth and 10th holes, carded a day best 69.

Despite teeing off early, Catlin struggled to get his bearing, bogeying the first, third and fourth holes before sinking further with a double bogey on the fifth. He birdied the eighth and 13th en route to nines of 40-35.

Tony Lascuña matched par anew to post an even 144, the same score as Taiwanese Lin Wen Tang, who tallied a 74.

Disaster struck Angelo Que on two par 3s, pulling him down to a 78 and a 148 total, seven shots off the lead.

Que, who started at the back, had a triple bogey on No. 6 and a quadruple bogey on No. 17 in a 39-39 round.

Before tee-off, Tabuena told sportswriters that he considers Que one of the strongest contenders for the title in the $400,000-event organized by the Philippine Golf Tour, sponsored by Solaire Resort and Casino, and supported by Meralco and PLDT.