Strong start propels Bibat to 2-shot lead

Michael Bibat flashed a near-impeccable iron game and putting and tamed Langer’s tough backside with a 32, leading to a five-under 66 and a two-stroke edge over Englishman Grant Jackson and three other local aces at the start of the ICTSI Riviera Classic in Silang, Cavite on Wednesday.

Bibat came through with a pair of back-to-back birdie feats inside six feet from Nos. 12 and 15 to launch his title drive then kept his spot on top of the huge 120-player international field with a two-birdie, one-bogey effort at the front of the dreaded par-71 layout.