Fernando eyes 2nd straight ICTSI win

MARK Fernando will be gunning for a first in his career next week, and that is to win a second straight ICTSI Tour leg when the Canlubang Invitational fires off on Wednesday at the complex’s tree-lined North layout in Laguna.

Fernando won the Calatagan Challenge two weeks ago in Batangas, and the crafty former national team spearhead has not only sharp form going for him but also familiarity with the Robert Trent Jones-designed gem.

Fernando spent his amateur days playing as a Sugar Baron in the PAL Interclub and he, like several of his former teammates who are now pros, knows the course like the back of his hand, just like he does the Calatagan layout.

Artemio Murakami is the defending champion of the event, but the burly former PH Open winner has been struggling this year and is actually in 50th place in the Order of Merit race.

Last year, Murakami blew the field away right in the first round, carving out a record eight-under-par 64.

Others to watch out for are former Cangolf standouts Jonel Ababa, Jessie Balasabas, Zannie Boy Gialon and Rufino Bayron.

Bayron has been knocking on the door of a breakthrough pro triumph and looked ready to hit paydirt two weeks ago only to run into Fernando in the final round in Calatagan to lose by five shots.  Musong R. Castillo