Antonio Lascuña. INQUIRER GOLF
Steady Tony Lascuña tallied a 4-under 67 Thursday to lead charging Ferdie Aunzo by one midway through the ICTSI Forest Hills Championship in Antipolo.
Lascuña, the reigning king of the Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit, birdied No. 9 anew to overtake Aunzo, who got stymied by a bogey-par-bogey windup and settled for a 66 at Forest Hills Golf and Country Club.
Counting his opening 69, Lascuña posted a 7-under 135 while Aunzo, bidding to end a seven-year title drought, pooled a 136.
“I just played my usual game,” said the 46-year-old Lascuña, who moved closer toward duplicating his victory over Jay Bayron at Manila Masters at Eastridge last April.
Calatagan leg winner Zanieboy Gialon also shot a 67 to catch up with rookie Ira Alido, who matched par 71, at fourth place at 138.
First round leader Arnold Villacencio failed to sustain his 65 start and tumbled with a 74 despite ideal conditions at the hilly layout.
Bunched at 139 with Villacencio, who bogeyed three of the last seven holes, was Jhonnel Ababa, who rebounded from a 73 with a 66.
Favorite Miguel Tabuena also made his move with an eagle-aided 68 and a 140 total, five shots off Lascuna.
Tied with Tabuena, the 2015 Philippine Open champion, was Joenard Rates, who carded 69.
Jay Bayron was at 141 following a 70 and towed Justin Quiban, Gerald Rosales, Nilo Salahog, Anthony Fernando, Benjie Magada and Elmer Salvador.
Quiban, Rosales and Salahog matched par for the second straight day for 142, while Fwernando, Magada and Salvador submitted 72s.
The revered Frankie Miñoza carded a 71 for 143.
Two-leg winner Clyde Mondilla barely made the cut with a 76 and 149, the same total posted by Michael Bibat (74), Mhark Fernando (72), Korean Kang Chon Koo (71), James Lam (73), Aussie Nathan Park (69), Dino Villanueva (75) and amateur Raymart Tolentino (78).
Cassius Casas failed to advance with a 71-150. —ROY LUARCA