Korean grabs Q School pace with Monsalve just one down

Five Filipinos led by Ivan Monsalve finished inside the top 10 after the first 18 holes of the Philippine Golf Tour Qualifying School paced by South Korean teener Cheon Ji-sung at Splendido Taal Golf Club in Laurel, Batangas on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old Cheon fired a three-under-par 69 to pace Monsalve by a shot, with Carl Corpuz shooting a 71 to be another stroke behind as a 112-strong field opened chase for the 30 available slots to the PGT season that starts on Monday at Pradera Verde in Pampanga.

Atsushi Ueda of Japan and another Korean, Jung Jae-hyun also shot 71s even as Belem Alarcon, the veteran Rey Pagunsan and amateur Jhondie Quibol fired 73s to round out the top 10.

There were four other foreigners in an eight-man pack that will start the second round on Wednesday five shots behind.

Monsalve was the best local performer on a very hot and windy day, as he strung up five straight birdies from No. 10, giving credit to his caddy for very good reads.

“It just clicked for me and my caddie on the greens,” said Monsalve. “Hitting the fairways in those five keyholes was essential. My caddie and I communicated well on putt readings, which made a big difference.”

Only the top 60 scores and ties after 36 holes will advance to play in the final two rounds.