Arnold Villacencio rediscovered his touch and shot a 6-under 65 Wednesday to grab the early lead in the ICTSI Forest Hills Championship in Antipolo.
The veteran, whose game took a dip after his breakthrough win at Summit Point three years ago, started hot with four birdies at the backside and added two more in the last four holes en route to a 33-32 card and a two-shot cushion over rookie pro Ira Alido at Forest Hills Golf and Country Club.
“I played a fantastic round. Everything was in place, including my putting,” said Villacencio, who saved par in all seven times that he went out of regulation. “Hopefully, I maintain my game and win.”
Alido eagled the par-5 No. 6 and birdied No. 8 to shoot a 67.
Manila Masters titlist Tony Lascuña birdied two of the last three holes to post a 68, outplaying ICTSI Luisita champion Miguel Tabuena and recent Calatagan leg winner Zanieboy Gialon in their flight.
Tabuena hit just three birdies against five bogeys for a 72 while Gialon shot an even 71.
Another obscure bet Rico Depilo submitted a 69.
Elmer Salvador bogeyed the 18th and was lodged at 70 with Benjie Magada, Ferdie Aunzo, Jobim Carlos, Anthony Fernando and Korean Hwang Myung Chal.
Clyde Mondilla sizzled early with an eagle-spiked 30, only to tumble with a 43 at the back.