BAGUIO CITY — Terence Joseph Macatangay (32) and Jet Mathay (31) combined for 63 points on Thursday, just enough for Januarius Private Equity-1 to cling on to a six-point lead against the young teams of Eastridge-1 and Manila Southwoods-1 in the Fil-Championship division halfway through the 73rd Januarius Fil-Am Golf Invitational at the Baguio Country Club.

Kirby Lachica submitted a 29 and Ayon Sanchez backed him up with a 27 to give Januarius a two-day total of 250 after scoring 131 in the opener.

More importantly, they will head to the longer course of Camp John Hay with a slim advantage to play out the last two days of Fil-Am's centerpiece division.

"The team is prepared even in this situation," Januarius manager Paolo Cagalingan said.

The young brigade of Ronel Tagaan (35), Alexander Bisera (34) and Edison Tabalin (33) were brilliant at BCC's tree-lined par-61 course.

With John Michael Uy's 26, Eastridge-1's 128 result propelled the team into title contention with 244.

Manila Southwoods (243) took a major step in its drive for a ninth crown after putting up 125 on the 33s of Ryan Monsalve and Lanz Uy, 30 of Shinichi Suzuki and 29 of Aidric Chan.

"For as long as there are still holes to play we will continue living it our best," Southwoods skipper Thirdy Escaño said.

Over at Camp John Hay, Eastridge-2 extended its advantage to 29 points, a very good cushion heading to the last two rounds at BCC starting on Saturday.

Jhondie Quibol torched the par-69 layout with five birdies against one bogey for a whopping 40. Zeus Sara was equally superb with a 39. Other scorers for Eastridge-2 (146-281) were Lloyd Labrador (35) and Demetrio Sanchez (32), Richard Joson's 30 did not count in the five-to-play, four-to-count format.

Januarius Private Equity-2 (132) and Manila Southwoods (135), which is seeking a repeat of last year's success, ended up tied for second with 252. At fourth was Valley Golf Mamamboys (114-234).