By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Rico Depilo pulled off a sudden surge with a flawless, bogey-free 64, forcing a three-way tie for the lead midway through the ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge in Negros Occidental’s Murcia town on Wednesday, October 16.
Sharing the top spot at eight-under 132 with seasoned pro Angelo Que (63) and rising star Aidric Chan (66), Depilo’s strong performance has set the stage for a wide open battle.
“My shots were steady, and my approach shots landed close to the hole, which helped me score six birdies. Hopefully, I can play like this again, so I will have a chance to win the championship,” Depilo said.
“I didn’t expect to score this well, but I got lucky today, and it worked out in my favor. It was all just luck,” he added.
Among those close behind the leaders is Kim Tae Soo, who fired the best round of the tournament with a 62 under preferred lies to sit at 133, alongside seasoned contenders like Jhonnel Ababa (65) and Reymon Jaraula (66).
Keanu Jahns has also positioned himself firmly in the hunt for a second career victory following his breakthrough win at Forest Hills last month.
Delivering a strong 65, he climbed into a tie for eighth place with a two-day total of 134, alongside Japan’s Ozeki Kakeru, who shot a 67, and Fidel Concepcion, who carded a 68.
Meanwhile, Chanelle Avaricio fired a brilliant seven-under 63 to catch up with an equally in-form Daniella Uy at the top of the leaderboard in the women’s ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge on Wednesday.
“I had no expectations,” Avaricio said after her impressive round.
“I just focused on putting myself in good positions and trusted my putting throughout,” she said.
“My greens in regulation were solid, but it was my putting that really clicked. I made a lot of long putts for birdies, and that gave me a lot of momentum,” Avaricio added. /ASC, WDJ