BAGUIO CITY — The Fil-Championship has a leader and it is not the defending champion.

Januarius Private Equity-1 found itself atop of the leaderboard with 131 points after its players turned in superb rounds at the tough Baguio Country Club course.

The crew currently holds a 13-point advantage over defending champion Manila Southwoods after the first round of the centerpiece division of the 73rd Januarius Fil-Am Golf Invitational here yesterday.

Ayon Sanchez, who shot a hole-in-one during a light practice at CJH on Monday, did a wonderful job with an even par 61 worth 36 points. Terence Macatangay supported with 33 while veteran Ray Sangil and Kirby Lachica each added 31 for Januarius Private Equity.

"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.

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 28 and 24, respectively, for an opening 118 output.

Eastridge, another team laden with young talents, pooled in 116. Edison Tabalin paced with 30 and was supported by 29 each from John Uy and Chris Remate and 28 from Ronel Tagaan.

Time Cargo Logistics 113, SPES 112 and Forest Hills 109.

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 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.