Dutchman takes charge in Danao

DANAO City, Cebu—Guido Van der Valk closed out with a flurry on Wednesday, firing a five-under-par 66 for a one-shot lead over a formidable trio at the start of the ICTSI Club Filipino de Cebu Invitational here.

The longtime Philippine resident highlighted his last eight holes with an eagle and three birdies for a 34-32 effort under scorching heat that was good to lead Michael Bibat, Jay Bayron and Australia’s Jack Sullivan.

Defending champion Jonel Ababa fired a 68 to be two behind like American Lexus Keoninh and the veteran Elmer Salvador, even as debuting pro Lloyd Jefferson Go hit four birdies in settling for a 69 that kept him well within the mix.

The young and short course proved a tough nut to crack for the 80-player field as only 15 players cracked par with several big names struggling.

Antonio Lascuña shot a 70, while reigning PH Masters champion Jessie Balasabas shot 71 with former PH Open winners Robert Pactolerin and Gerald Rosales shooting 72s.

“I played pretty good with my long game, irons and putting,” said the long-hitting Van der Valk, who birdied Nos. 13, 15 and 16 after that eagle off a perfect 8-iron second shot to within 10 feet. “The course is tough with narrow fairways and tricky greens with the wind adding up to the challenge.”

Johvanie Abaño and Japan’s Ryo Nishimura also assembled 69s to be tied with Go with Albin Engino and Mars Pucay in Lascuña’s group together with two foreigners.

“I was lucky to score this low, given the tough conditions,” Bibat, whose first win cam in 2014, said.