ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic: Zaragosa surges to lead as brutal weather halts play

BACOLOD CITY – Torrential rain and unrelenting winds turned the second round of the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic into a battle of endurance and mental toughness here on Wednesday.

Play was suspended after a one-and-a-half-hour downpour submerged fairways and flooded bunkers of the Negros Occidental Golf and Country course, forcing the organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. to suspend the P2.5-million championship.

Rupert Zaragosa emerged as the standout performer in brutal conditions, firing a three-under card through 12 holes to seize the clubhouse lead at five-under. Starting from No. 10, he braved swirling winds in the morning and a heavy downpour midway through his round, exhibiting mastery over the conditions by hitting birdies on Nos. 10, 14 and 17, and coming through with a brilliant par-save on the long par-5 18th.

Despite dropping two strokes on the par-3 13th due to a misjudged gust, Zaragosa swiftly recovered with back-to-back birdies from No. 2 before play was halted. His near-flawless performance left him with a four-stroke clubhouse lead over a quartet of pursuers, including Tony Lascuña, Russell Bautista, Francis Morilla and first-round leader Michael Bibat, who all posted one-under aggregate scores.

“It was tough, but my game was fairly solid,” said Zaragosa in Filipino, who had to withdraw from the final round of last week’s event in Binitin due to a persistent stiff neck. However, he bounced back swiftly, showcasing strong play in challenging conditions over the first two rounds with hopes of maintaining his confidence and momentum as he chases his second career victory following his dominant win in Iloilo last year.

"I'll stick to my game plan tomorrow and play smart," said Zaragosa, stressing the importance of minimizing mistakes. "I’m also hoping my putting comes through, and I can keep that momentum going until the final day."

Tournament officials decided to resume the round early Thursday, with Zaragosa holding a commanding advantage over his rivals. Due to the weather disruptions, the men's competition has been reduced to 54 holes and the women's to 36.

Bibat, who led with an opening-round 66, struggled to find rhythm in the gusty