Korean teener Wang seizes Cangolf lead with sizzling 65

CANLUBANG, LAGUNA—Wang Jeung-hyun, the reedy Korean teenager who endured a bitter experience the last time he made a title bid here, could be shedding tears of joy this time.

The 16-year-old tamed Canlubang’s tough North course with a 7-under-par 65 yesterday and grabbed the 11th Canlubang Amateur Open lead by one stroke over Jobim Carlos after two rounds with a 136 total.
Carlos followed up his opening 68 with a superb 69 but still found himself trailing the Korean, who picked up eight birdies, five of them in a scorching 31 coming in.
Wang is trying to erase the stigma of being disqualified in the final round of the DHL Am, held at the same Canlubang course, last February that left him in tears.
The Korean was first penalized two strokes for taking a wrong drop on hole No. 8. But he was disqualified later when his father-coach ordered him not to sign his scorecard, claiming organizers were trying to rob him of a chance to play Jonel Ababa in a playoff for the title.
This time, though, Wang will have to win this title not at the expense of Ababa. The pro-bound national team mainstay and defending champion fired a second straight 76 and fell out of contention at 152.
Jessie Balasabas and Sonny Villaber fired 71s, Zanieboy Gialon signed for a 72 and Art Arbole, who started the day tied with Wang, shot a 73 to tie at 143, seven strokes off the pace with 18 holes left.
In ladies play at the adjacent South course, Lovelynn Guioguio fired an eight-under 64, highlighted by a closing eagle 3, for five-stroke lead over Jayvie Agojo and Sarah Ababa, who both had 69s.
Andrea Unson carded a 70 while club standout Lucy Landicho and Geleen Handog fired 71s.
The 54-hole event is sponsored by The Turf Company and Pacsports Philippines.