Kim shows way with 66; Superal, Mariano lead with 71s

CAVINTI, Laguna, Philippines — Given the chance to shine, Tae Soo Kim seized the moment, upstaging a stacked field with a solid 66 for a one-stroke lead over Dino Villanueva at the start of the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship here yesterday.

Gaining entry after a joint 36th finish in the PGT Qualifying School, Kim used his precise driving and adept putting to show the way in the P2.5 million championship sponsored by ICTSI.

“I didn’t expect (to lead), especially since I struggled to hit par during the practice round,” said Kim.

Villanueva, with a strong finish for a 67, was just a stroke off Kim. The leaderboard was packed with Sean Ramos, Angelo Que and Guido van der Valk matching 69s for third, and Aidric Chan, Keanu Jahns and Clyde Mondilla carding identical 70s for a share of sixth.

Rico Depilo, Eric Gallardo, Francis Morilla and Frankie Miñoza all shot 71s in the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and supported by Kampfortis Golf, the official apparel.

In women’s play, fancied Princess Superal and Pamela Mariano had identical 71s for a one-stroke lead over Harmie Constantino.

Superal recovered from a shaky frontside 37 with key birdies in the last nine holes while Mariano had two crucial birdies at the back to overcome a bogey on No. 6. Constantino (72), defending champion Pauline del Rosario (73) and Mafy Singson (73) are all in the hunt with two rounds left.