Januarius Private Equity steals limelight from Manila Southwoods in the first round

BAGUIO CITY — A pumped-up Januarius Private Equity crew, energized by the splendid play of Ayon Sanchez, sparkled with a superb 131 points at the Baguio Country Club to zoom to a 13-point advantage over defending champions Manila Southwoods in the Fil-Championship of the 73rd Januarius Fil-Am Golf Invitational on Wednesday, Dec. 6.

Ayon, who shot a hole-in-one during practice on Monday, shot three birdies and the same number of bogeys for an even 36 points to lead the way. Other scorers were Terence Macatangay, who assisted with 33 while veteran Ray Sangil and Kirby Lachica each added 31.

Manila Southwoods, which is gunning for a ninth straight title in the centerpiece division of the world’s largest amateur tournament, got 34 from Aidric Chan and 32 from local star Paolo Wong but teammates Ryan Monsalve and Lanz Uy turned in only 28 and 24, respectively, for a 118 output.

“We are proud of this round but we will remain focused and continue to play our game. We can’t be too complacent,” said Januarius Private Equity manager Paolo Cagalingan.

In the Am-Championship, Eastridge’s Team 2 had an even better round of 135 at Camp John Hay on the 37 of Demetrio Sanchez, 35 of Richard Joson, 32 of Llyod Labrador and 31 of Jhondie Quibol.

Time Cargo Logistics 113, SPES 112 and Forest Hills 109 completed the roster in the Fil-Championship.

Eastridge’s Team 2 had an even better round of 135 at Camp John Hay on the 37 of Demetrio Sanchez, 35 of Richard Joson, 32 of Lloyd Labrador and 31 of Jhondie Quibol.

Jonar Austria signed for 39 points and was the top man for Januarius Private Equity Team 2. Migo Ochoa and Marco Olives for good for 31 apiece and RJ Rizada accounted for 19 in the squad’s total 120, in a tie for second with Valley Golf Mamamboys at 120.

Manila Southwoods-2, also out to defend its crown, managed 117.

Other team leaders in the other divisions are Uraguns-1 211 (98-113) in Fil-A and Time Cargo Logistics-2 256 (135-121) in Am-A.