Avena fires 70, seizes 4-shot lead in Lipa golf

ABE Avena shot a two-under-par 70 Wednesday and took a four-stroke lead over Rolly Viray after the opening round of the Philippine Senior Amateur championship at Summit Point in Lipa City.

Avena drained two of his five birdies in the back nine for a 36-34 card and pulled away as Viray and the others couldn’t keep in step.

Viray, a former champion, had three birdies and five bogeys for a 74, with Benjie Sumulong shooting a 76 to be another two strokes adrift in the 54-hole championship that will toast a new champion tomorrow.

Former pro Eddie Bagtas, who won the title last year, couldn’t defend his championship because of a commitment overseas.

Dave Hernandez, another former champion, struggled to shoot a 79.

The charismatic Francis Gaston shot himself in the foot with an 87 and practically bombed out of contention.