Young Sean Ramos took charge in brutal conditions, snatching a one-stroke lead over Carlo Villaroman and Korean Kim Tae Soo despite a birdie-less four-over 75 at the start of the Riviera MVPSF Amateur Championship at Riviera’s Langer course in Silang, Cavite.
Ramos, 14, bucked a double-bogey on No. 9 and two bogeys at the back with an early run of pars to emerge on top of the field that was bedeviled by the howling wind that blew from all over, all day Friday, putting the Orchard bet on track for a crack at a third straight crown.
“I had a good round but missed five birdie chances. I tried to be more patient since the course condition is tough,” said Ramos, who came through with clutch iron shots and putts to run off eight straight pars.
Cebu’s Junia Gabasa charged back with two birdies at the back to save a 72 and seize a two-stroke lead over Bernice Olivarez-Ilas (74).
Mariel Tee was two strokes farther back at 76 in women’s play of the 54-hole championship serving as part of the PLDT Golf National Amateur Tour.
Ilas grabbed the early lead with a 36 but wavered at the back with a 38 for a 74, enabling Gabasa to rally with birdies on Nos. 11 and 14.