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DEFENDING champion Angelo Que begins his quest for a
rare back-to-back titles in the P4.5-million The Country Club
Invitational golf kicking off Thursday in Laguna.
Que, who fought back from four
strokes down to turn back Elmer Salvador for last year’s crown, is
expected to face a tough challenge from two-time RP Open winner
Frankie Minoza, Rey Pagunsan, Robert Pactolerin, Juvic Pagunsan and
Mars Pucay.
Chihiro Ikeda, the reigning RP
Ladies Open champion, gets the honor of playing in the flight of
Pactolerin and Minoza, whose presence further lends class and
prestige to the event held in honor of ICTSI founder Don Pocholo
Razon.
Also vying for the P1.3-million
top purse are former TCC champions Cassius Casas (2003), Tony
Lascuna (2004), Jerome Delariarte (2005) and Juvic Pagunsan,
reigning Hong Kong Open winner Dante Bacierra, Louie Dacuvdao, Cyna
Rodriguez, Marvin Du-mandan, Raymund Sangil and Orlan Sumcad.
The top 21 players after two days
will advance to the final two rounds of the championship, which also
features the country’s top amateurs, headed by national champion
Anthony Fernando and fellow national team members Ferdie Aunzo, who
get the chance to compete against the pros as part of their
preparations and training for stints abroad.
Meanwhile, Minoza underscored his
readiness for the championship as he teamed up with Claudine Garcia
to rule the pro-am event Wednesday. Minoza fired a one-under 69 for
nine-under 61 in the best-ball event to earn P70,700 while Garcia,
who turned in a net 69, went home with fabulous prizes.
Rufino Bayron and partner Chucky
Reyes combined for a 63 to finish second worth P50,500 while Peter
Minoza and Raul de Mesa made 64 for third worth P30,300.
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