Luisita leads by 6; Canlubang 12 down

DAVAO—Getting sterling outputs from its stars, Luisita zoomed ahead in Senior championship play of the PAL Interclub over a remarkable Cebu Country Club Thursday as defending champion Canlubang sputtered big time at the Apo Golf course here.

Miñing Maravilla fired a three-over-par 75 worth 51 points, and Philippine Sports Commission chair Richie Garcia contributed a 49 as the Luisitans pooled 147 to lead CCC by six and the Sugar Barons by 12 .

Montito Garcia assembled a day-best 53 points while Matsusugu Ochiai and Anton Florendo contributed 44 each for the 141 output of the impressive Cebuanos, who threw away the 43 of Nonoy Tirol.

Seve Roxas Chua, a Luisita rookie, fired a 47 for his squad’s third score with Rudy Mata’s 45 failing to count.

Dave Hernandez and Mari Hechanova’s identical 47s showed the way for the cold 135 of the Sugar Barons, whose third scorer, the burly Tony Olives, was penalized two strokes for a bunker infraction on hole No. 2 for 41 points.

Rene Unson did not count with a 39.

The 65th edition of what is considered the national golf team championship is sponsored by Mareco Broadcasting Network, Radio High, Stargate Media and Media Five; while the major backers are Asia Brewery, Business Mirror and Airbus.

Also lending support are the Department of Tourism, Philippine Graphic, Boeing International Corp., Gecas, Bombo Radyo, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Manila Bulletin, Moevenpick Resort & Spa Cebu, Plantation Bay, Radisson Blu Hotel and Imperial Palace Waterpark & Spa Cebu.