RIGHT ON TRACK: Rosal, Barbosa sizzle as Luisita posts early lead

BAGUIO CITY — Abe Rosal and Ferdie Barbosa posted 27 points as Luisita stayed on track of winning its second straight Fil Championship title in the seniors edition of the 74th Januarius Fil-Am Invitational on Saturday at the Baguio Country Club.

Benjie Sumulong scored 25 points while Chino Raymundo had 23 points to help Luisita post a commanding output of 102 points.

Trailing Luisita is its rival Manila Southwoods-1, which has 97 points, while unheralded Riviera Golf pulled off a surprise by emerging third with 96 at the start of the tournament’s premier division.

Despite posting a slim advantage, Luisia non-playing captain Jeric Hechanova still refuses to stay complacent, saying that Rosal, Barbosa, Sumulong and Raymundo still have something to show as the tourney enters the final stretch.

“They didn’t play their normal games,” Hechanova said.

“After our scores came in, I thought we were behind at least eight to 10 points. The biggest surprise was when we found out that we’re leading by five on opening day.”

As expected, perennial Fil-Am winner Junjun Plana led the way for Manila Southwoods-1 with 31 points while Manfred Guangko, Judd Roy and Raul Miñoza chipped in 24, 22, and 20 points, respectively.

Although the 97 points was the lowest they ever produced, Freddie Mendoza remains unperturbed, knowing that they are still capable of catching up with the powerhouse Luisita side.

“We had a good start though it was not what we wanted. We still have days to catch up,” Mendoza said.

Over at Camp John Hay Golf Club, Demy Saclot and Steve McDonald put up an impressive 32 points apiece to help Srixon IMG secure a six-point lead over the Tommy Manotoc-led Greenwater in the Am Championship with 118 points.

Manotoc, paced Greenwater with 31 points together with Roland Punzalan. Estong Lim had 26 while Douglas Puckett had 24 to give Greenwater 112 points in the first round.

Reigning champion Manila Southwoods-2 finished third with 104.

“With Southwoods and the rest of the strong teams, I was not expecting that lead. Good thing the boys played well,” Srixon IMG playing manager Bart Borja said.

In the other divisions, Mamala Bay 181 (91-90) continues to hold sway in Fil-A; Camp John Hay Golf Club Team-2 221 (119-102) has a commanding 36-point lead in Am-A; Team Master 105 (61-44) and ICSI-TMI Team-2 maintain leadership in Fil-E and Am-E.