Bisera grabs two-stroke lead at Mimosa golf
Ramil Bisera fired a three-under-par 69 to seize a two-stroke lead over two fancied bets yesterday and move on the threshold of a breakthrough professional victory in the ICTSI-Mimosa Challenge.
An outrageously long-hitter despite his size, Bisera gunned down three of his four birdies on the back nine to finish with a 36-hole total of 142 going into the final 18 holes today.
Top favorite Marvin Dumandan turned in a second straight 72 while Ferdie Aunzo, the former national champion, returned a 71 to share second at 144.
Article continues after this advertisement“I will just try to hang in there and see what happens,” said Bisera in Filipino, who carded a 73 in the first round of this event sponsored by ICTSI and organized by the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.
Raymund Sangil, the former junior ace also seeking to win for the first time as a pro, also put himself in contention with a 71 for 145, which Gene Bondoc matched after a 73.
First-round leader Zaldy Salvador limped home with a 75 to drop four shots off the pace in a tie with rookie pro Antonio Asistio (74) and Orchard leg winner Benjie Magada (73).
Article continues after this advertisementClyde Mondilla fired a 71 to share the amateur lead with Filipino-American Carl Santos Ocampo and Peter Villabr at 147, just five off the overall pace. Ocampo also had a 71, while Villaber carded a 72.
Also at 147 was reigning Philippine Open champion Elmer Salvador, who fired a 70.
MJ Carr Golf Management, Jaguar, Land Rover, Studio 23, Balls TV, Srixon/Cleveland Golf, Callaway Golf, Odyssey and Golf Punk and media partners Inquirer Golf Monthly, Business Mirror, A Round of Golf, Pinoygolfer.com and Omnisource are the tournament’s other backers.
The leading scores:
142—R. Bisera 73-69; 144—F. Aunzo 73-71, M. Dumandan 72-72; 145—R. Sangil 74-71, G. Bondoc 72-73; 146—B. Magada 73-73, A. Asistio 72-74, Z. Salvador 71-75; 147—E. Salvador 77-70, C. Santos-Ocampo (Am) 76-71), C. Mondilla (Am) 76-71, J. Opaco 75-72, R. Sinfuego 75-72, P. Villaber (Am) 75-72, A. Fernando 74-73, R. Pagunsan 73-74, E. Ababa 73-74, R. Bayron 72-75; 148—J, Balasabas (Am) 74-74, D. Becierra (Am) 73-75, Rob Pactolerin 73-75; 149—J. Lam 79-70, J. Bernis 76-73; 150—O. Sumcad 78-72, O. Dungca 76-74, C. Casas 76-74, M. Tabuena (Am) 74-76, J. Labajo 73-77; 151—E. Arcillas 79-72, R. Joson (Am) 79-72, A. Cruz 77-74, J. Limjap (Am) 76-75, D. Zarate 76-75, A. Engino 73-78; 152—E. Bagtas 78-74, C. Hong (Am) 72-80
