DAVAO CITY, Philippines - Defending champion Canlubang slashed Luisita's overnight lead Saturday, but still faces a formidable 12-point deficit going into the final round of the Philippine Airlines Interclub seniors golf team championship.
Tommy Manotoc led Canlubang's fightback at the Ranco Palos Verdes Golf and Country Club, firing 53 points - one-over par 73 in stroke play. He birdied two par-3 holes inside 12 feet against three bogeys.
Mari Hechanova tallied 50 points and Rene Unson added 44 as the Sugar Barons pooled 147 points for a three-day total of 427 points. Luigi Yulo did not count with 39.
Luisita struck through Francis Gaston's 49 to return with 143 points and 439 overall. The other scorers were Philippine Sports Commission chairman Richie Garcia (48) and Lino Magpantay (46).
Mining Maravilla, who scored 51 point at the Apo Golf and Country Club Thursday, failed to count with 44 points.
Cebu Country Club slipped to third place with 420 points with Ramontito Garcia firing 52 points. Lor Alaan chipped in 47 points, but Anton Florendo struggled with 39 points. Shigeo Saito did not count with 38.
Luisita skipper Iggy Clavecilla does not consider a 12-point lead safe by any means.
"Kung nakakuha kami ng 12 noong Huwebes, kaya rin kunin ng Canlubang 'yan bukas," said Clavecilla, who along with Francis Gaston will lead Luisita's title drive Sunday.
Manotoc said overhauling Luisita's lead is still possible.
"But it will depend on our second and third men on the team," said Manotoc who will be joined by Tony Olives, Rolly Viray and Bing Bunye in the final round.
Over at Apo, Manila Golf collected 127 points and stayed on top of the Founders division with 399 points, 10 points ahead of Riviera which tallied 131 points. Eagle Ridge was running third with 388.
In the Sportswriters class, Fil-Am Hawaii has a three-day total of 372 to lead Chamorro (365) and Davao (352).
Club Intramuros virtually wrapped up the Friendship title after posting 323 points, 33 points ahead of Fil-Am Florida. Brotherhood Sharp was third at 289.
The platinum sponsors of the 65th PAL Interclub are Mareco Broadcasting Network, Radio High, Stargate Media, Media Five, GE while the major backers are Asia Brewery, Business Mirror and Airbus. Also lending support are the Department of Tourism, Philippine Graphics, Boeing International Corp., Bombo Radyo and Manila Bulletin.
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