Mondilla takes charge as winds quiet, gains solo lead after firing 71

Clyde Mondilla benefited from less windy conditions in the morning to tally a one-under 71 Thursday and gain the solo lead halfway through the ICTSI Orchard Golf Championship at Orchard’s Player’s course in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Recovering from two early bogeys at the back, Mondilla canned four birdies against another bogey on No. 5 to pace Zanieboy Gialon, Jay Bayron and Elmer Salvador by one stroke heading to the last two rounds of the $60,000 tournament.

Counting his opening 68 Wednesday, Mondilla posted a 139 total against the 140s of Gialon and Salvador, who both fired their second 70s, and Bayron, who turned in a 69.

Salvador, the 2009 Philippine Open champion, birdied three of his last nine holes at the front to catch up with Gialon and Bayron, back-to-back winner of the Aboitiz Invitational at Wack Wack and Riviera Classic last year, who drilled in three birdies in the last 10 holes.

American William Cannon bogeyed the par-5 18th and settled for a 72 for solo fifth at 142.

Frankie Miñoza, who shared the early lead with a 68, wavered with five bogeys in a seven-hole stretch from No. 10, but holed out with an eagle to save a 75. He pooled a 143 in a tie with American John Catlin, Thai Gunn Charoenkul and Joenard Rates.

Tony Lascuña rallied with two birdies in front but could only tally a 74. —ROY LUARCA