Cebu CC steals spotlight from fancied rivals

Cebu Country Club grabbed the limelight from the traditional Senior PAL Interclub powers in the opening round on Wednesday before boldly declaring that it is “ready” to break the Canlubang-Luisita stranglehold on the event.

Rookie Eric Deen and Ninoy Tirol submitted four-over-par 76s worth 50 points each and Cebu CC tallied 142 points to grab a four-point lead over the defending champion Sugar Barons and bitter rival Luisita at the rolling Alta Vista layout.

Del Monte also put itself in the mix behind Paul Minoza’s 51 points, also assembling a 138 to make what was tipped to be a two-horse race a week ago into a wide-open contest.

“We are ready to win,” said Tirol, who had three birdies.

Canlubang got 46s from Zaldy Villa, Rolly Viray and the returning Tommy Manotoc, whose birdie at 18 saved the Barons from bringing up the rear of the compact four-team field.

“We played badly today,” said non-playing Luisita skipper Jeric Hechanova after getting 48 points from stalwart Eddie Bagtas. “We wasted a lot of strokes. Hopefully, we play better tomorrow.”