MANILA -- Filipino shot maker Angelo Que played a solid round for an 8-under 64 in the morning play then watched American James collapsed at the finish to gain a share of the lead after Tuesday’s first round of the Aboitiz Invitational 2017 at the Manila Southwoods in Carmona, Cavite.
Que gunned six birdies and spiked his sparkling 32-32 card with an eagle on No. 8 that saw him overshoot the green from 230 yards but pitched in for eagle from 10 yards.
In a release by event organizer Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., Que gained an early share of the lead in the USD100,000 event serving as the kick-off leg of the eight-stage inaugural PGT Asia Tour sponsored by ICTSI.
“For some reason, I am so comfortable every time I play the Legends,” said Que, who took a long rest after dominating the Philippine Golf Tour field and winning the ICTSI Classic at Mt. Malarayat by a record 12-stroke romp last month.
Bowen and Que's 64s stood three strokes off the record 61 posted by American John Michael O'Toole in the second round of the ICTSI Manila Southwoods Championship won by Malaysian Gavin Green last year.
Miguel Tabuena is in solo third, just a stroke off the joint leaders
Thai Pasavee Lertvilai scored 66 for joint fourth with Cory Oride of the US, who also hit an eagle, and Manila-based Dutchman Guido Van der Valk, who turned in a fiery finish of five birdies in the last six holes.
Choo Tze Huang, the former Singapore amateur hotshot, also got into an early groove with a solid 67 in a tie with local bet Zanieboy Gialon while three others also shot five-under cards with three holes to play, including Indonesian Ian Andrew, Michael Bibat, and Spain’s Salvador Paya Vila.
Jobim Carlos also fired a bogey-less 68 for a share of 12th with Indonesian Elki Kow and James Ryan Lam.
Ton Lascuña, the reigning PGT OOM leader and winner of a number of tournaments here, scored 70.
Only the top 50 plus ties after 36 holes will advance to the final two rounds of the event backed by Custom Clubmakers, Meralco, Champion, Summit Mineral Water, K&G Golf Apparel, BDO, Sharp, KZG, PLDT and M.Y. Shokai Technology, Inc. (PNA)
