Rupert Zaragosa keeps share of men’s golf lead

BEKASI, West Java—Rupert Zaragosa remained tied for the men’s individual lead Wednesday but the Filipinos virtually kissed their gold medal hopes goodbye in both team competition of the 26th Southeast Asian Games.

The 5-foot Filipino teen wonder carded a 73 and remained on top with Thai Rattawon Wannasric after 54 holes with a 216 total even as Jobim Carlos also moved into medal contention with a 71 for 219.

But the men’s team title now seemed a lock for Thailand with the Filipinos still 13 strokes behind while holding third, four off Indonesia.

Prospects looked worse in ladies’ play with defending champion Chihiro Ikeda now trailing by six in individual play and the Filipinos nine behind the Thais in team competition with one round left.

With a 221 tally for the day counting either of the 77s of Art Arbole or Clyde Mondilla, the Philippines had a 663 after three rounds at the Jagorawi Golf and Country Club here.

Ian Andrew fired a 72, Rinaldi Adiyandono had a 76 and Indonesia got a day-best 70 from George G. as the host team totaled 659, nine behind the rampaging Thais.

“We’re in a good spot because we have a chance to win three medals (in men’s play),” head of PH golf delegation Tommy Manotoc told the Inquirer. “Of course we are hoping for the best, but right now, it seems that the only realistic thing in team play is second place.

“Rupert will go all out to win.”

Malaysia bowed out of contention when members of its squad suffered from food poisoning, with Low Kai Jei, tied for the lead at the start of the day, withdrawing after six holes because of severe dehydration.

Ikeda, the gold medal winner in 2009 in Laos, assembled a 74 for 146 and trailed Thai Pinrath Poomboonru, who fired a 70, by six in individual play.

Panitta Yusabai added a 74 as the Thais posted a 287 aggregate to lead the team event, which the Filipinos also ruled two years ago.

Dottie Ardina carded a 74 for a 150 individual total while completing the 296 PH team total after 36 holes. Andie Unson did not count with an 80.