North golfers still up going into singles

THE NORTH pulled out two crucial victories in fourballs yesterday morning and padded its lead over the fancied South side to 8-4 before a strong downpour halted play in the Ryder Cup style “The Duel” at posh Alabang Golf Club.

Benjie Magada and Randy Garalde pounded out a 3 & 2 upset win over Elmer Salvador and Marvin Dumandan in the best ball format before Miguel Tabuena and Carl Santos-Ocampo scored their second victory.

Magada and Garalde birdied three holes in a four-hole span from No. 13 where Magada chipped in from the fringe, finally ending the match when Garalde nailed one from pin-length on the 16th.

Tabuena-Ocampo posted a 2-up decision over Mark Fernando and Rufino Bayron with the South’s only victory for the day coming courtesy of the Jay Bayron-Ferdie Aunzo tandem that turned the tables on Angelo Que-Mars Pucay, 1-up.

Former Philippine Open champion Gerald Rosales and Joenard Rates were able to salvage a draw with the talented pair of Antonio Lascuña and Cassius Casas.

“I can’t complain. We’re doing fine,” North skipper Cookie La’O said. “As long as the guys play as one unit, we’ll be OK.”