Carlos finishes strong, triumphs by four at Apo

DAVAO—Jobim Carlos won his second title in three weeks on Saturday by churning out the same swashbuckling finish that is fast becoming his calling card.

The 25-year-old birdied three of his last seven holes to close out with a four-under-par 68 and break away from a tightly-bunched leaderboard for the ICTSI Apo Golf Invitational championship here.

It was the second title for Carlos, who also triumphed at The Riviera stop by birdying three of his last six holes.

“I played good. I think this is really meant for me,” said Carlos, who tallied 280 over the tough, tree-lined layout for a four-shot victory over Davao native Elmer Salvador and Albin Engino.

Engino, the ex-caddy from Bacolod, carved out a 68 and booked his best finish as a pro. Salvador, the former Philippine Open champion, matched par.

Reigning Masters champion Jessie Balasabas and Keanu Jahns submitted 72s for 285s with South Korea’s Kim Joo-hyung shooting a 70 for 286 and be the only foreigner in the top 10, tied with Joenard Rates, Mars Pucay and Jonel Ababa.

Pucay, the 48-year-old veteran, ballooned to a 74 after starting the day holding a share of the lead. Rates shot a 73 like Ababa.

“I did everything I could but it still was not enough,” said Salvador.

Nilo Salahog, who also held a share of the lead after 54 holes, skied with a 75 with six bogeys and finished with a 287 total.