Salahog surprise ICTSI southwoods leader

Unheralded Nilo Salahog only wanted to make the cut. Instead, he emerged solo leader halfway through the ICTSI Manila Southwoods Championship Thursday.

Sustaining the form that gave him an opening 64 Wednesday, Salahog carded a

6-under 66 and posted a one-shot clubhouse lead over Orlan Sumcad, who submitted 65, at the rain-drenched Legends course in Carmona, Cavite.

“Foremost in my mind is to make the cut,” said Salahog, a winless five-year pro who tied for 36th in last week’s ICTSI Orchard Championship. “But I’m playing great golf over 36 holes. It was fun golf with those scores (14-under 130).”

Play was suspended anew for two hours due to lightning, affecting Peter Stojanovski, who matched Tony Lascuña’s pacesetting 62 Wednesday. The Macedonian settled for a 70 and dropped to joint third at 132.

American Paul Harris followed up his 66 with a 67 to land at 133 while Charles Hong shot a 69 for a 137. Nelson Huerva rallied with a 68 for a 138.

Still in position to dislodge Salahog were Lascuña and American Lexus Keoninh, who was at 12-under overall with a 3-under card after nine holes.

Lascuña, on the other hand, is at 10-under with an even par card after six holes. —ROY LUARCA