CAGAYAN DE ORO—Richard Sinfuego rammed home three long birdie putts on his last nine holes to shoot a 4-under-par 68 yesterday and grab a one-stroke lead over Rufino Bayron after the second round of the P1 million ICTSI Pueblo de Oro Championship here.
Sinfuego, the soft-spoken Iloilo native who never missed a cut but never got in contention in all 10 legs of the ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour, posted a 36-hole total of 141.
Bayron, who won a pro tournament as an amateur three years ago, shot a second straight 71 for 142, barely missing joining Sinfuego at the helm with a final-hole bogey.
Three players stood just two shots off, two trailed by three and six were just four down, ensuring a spirited battle for the top P200,000 purse in today’s final round of the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.
Richard Abaring, who humbled the field with an opening 67, wobbled home with a 76 for 143 and a tie for third with Charles Hong and Orlan Sumcad, who both carded 72s.
Joseph Labajo rebounded from a 76 with a bogey-free 68 to be at even par 144 like Christopher delos Santos, who carded a 74.
James Ryan Lam and Ebarra Quiachon fired 71s to head a six-man group at 145 that also included Ferdie Aunzo, Marvin Dumandan, Mark Fernando, all with 73s, and Cookie La’O (76).
Rico Depilo, who had a 68 in the first round, ballooned to an 81 to be at 149.