Salvador cruises to 3-shot lead fueled by back-nine birdie binge

TARLAC—Elmer Salvador gunned down four of his seven birdies in a hot back nine on Tuesday, completing a bogey-free seven-under-par 65 for a three-shot lead after the opening round of the $100,000 (roughly P5.4 million) Central Azucarera de Tarlac Open here.

Struggling the whole season, the former Philippine Open champion Salvador put together his best round in years to leave behind a talented international field, with Jonel Ababa, Jobim Carlos and Tim Stewart of Australia shooting 68s to be three shots behind.

Americans Josh Salah and Tarik Can pooled 69s to join Michael Bibat and unheralded Rene Menor in the next chase group even as Clyde Mondilla carded a 72 to fall seven strokes behind.