Jolo Magcalayo now seven shots ahead

Jolo Magcalayo slowed down with a one-under-par 71 on Wednesday but still padded his men’s division lead to seven over elder brother Jonas halfway through the W Express RVF Cup Amateur Golf Championship at Cangolf’s North course in Laguna.

Unlike his flawless opening 65 on Tuesday, Jolo had three birdies that went against two bogeys this time and will take a 136 aggregate into the final two days of the prestigious championship.

Jonas returned a level 72, while Sean Ramos submitted a day-best 69 to be at 144 and remain mathematically in the hunt for the title.

Paqo Barro carded a 70 for a 145 and Carl Corpus turned in a 71 for joint fifth at 146 with Elee Bisera, who matched par 72.

Meanwhile, the women’s side remained to be a close race with Sofia Chabon muffing a golden chance to forge ahead after a wobbly finish that led to a 72.

Chabon bogeyed the last two holes and remained tied for the lead with Junia Gabasa, who also signed for a 72. The duo has a 147 tally and a one-shot lead over Eagle Ace Superal, who shot a 73.

Tied with Gabasa and Eagle Ace Superal after 18 holes, Chabon broke from a three-way tie with a birdie on the ninth and went two-up with another on No. 16. But Chabon bogeyed the last two holes for a 72, enabling the Cebu-based Gabasa, who also matched par, to regain a share of the lead at 147.