Park shoots 68, paces Mondilla by 2 strokes

Australian Nathan Park’s putting touch went awry at the homestretch, pulling him down to a four-under 68 and a two-shot lead over Clyde Mondilla halfway through the ICTSI Philippine Masters at Villamor Golf Club.

Park, a lefty, went on a birdie binge coming off another rain delay and a bogey on No. 1, making four in a five-hole stretch from No. 2 to go four-up on Mondilla, winner at Southwoods last week.

Back-to-back three-putt bogeys from No. 7, however, stalled Park at 137 total, enabling Mondilla, who shot a round-best 67, to stay close behind at 139 with two rounds left in the P2 million event.

Threatening at 140, three shots off Park, were erstwhile leader Jobim Carlos, who matched par 72, Keanu Jahns (70), and Tony Lascuña (69).

“I was fantastic up to the sixth hole at the front,” said Park. “Then my putting deserted me.”

Mondilla rolled in a 50-foot eagle putt on the par-5 18th to close in on Park. —ROY LUARCA