Dumandan gains lead as darkness halts play

Power-hitter Marvin Dumandan took the clubhouse lead after play was suspended due to darkness in the second round of the ICTSI Riviera Classic at Langer course in Silang, Cavite on Thursday.

Dumandan, a former club pro, shot a second straight one-under 70 that turned out to be the best among completed rounds after several flights, including that of opening round leader Clyde Mondilla, got stranded.

Mondilla, who shot a bogey-free 65, Wednesday, came out of the two-hour long delay due to threats of lightning in sharp form, rebounding from a bogey on No. 14 with birdies on Nos. 16 and 2 for a running seven-under overall before play was stopped.

Also in position to overtake Dumandan were Michael Bibat, Arnold Villacencio and Korean amateur Tom Kim.

The trio pooled three-under totals with seven holes to play while Ira Alido, who carded an opening 67, fumbled with a two-over card after 12 holes.

Dumandan’s 140 halfway mark total gave him a one-stroke lead over Charles Hong, who benefited from an early morning start to tally a bogey-free 68 for a 141.

Unheralded Omar Dungca was at an even 142 after a 72.

Unfinished rounds will be played early Friday with the top 50 plus ties after 36 holes proceeding to the money rounds of the $100,000 event serving as the third leg of the Philippine Golf Tour Asia Tour.