Lumbo retains 2-shot lead

DAVAO CITY — Calm, courage and conviction — that’s what kept rookie Jeffren Lumbo steady when the rain poured and pressure mounted.

The 29-year-old from Sarangani showed the poise of a veteran on Wednesday, grinding out a gutsy two-under 70 under steady drizzle to keep his lead halfway through the ICTSI South Pacific Golf Classic.

That he did it on a soggy, demanding course — where softened fairways and slick greens punished every mistake — spoke volumes about his growing confidence and mental toughness.

“It was tough out there, especially with the pin placements,” Lumbo said.

He bogeyed Nos. 6 and 15 — the first from a three-putt, the next from an errant tee shot — but his four birdies, including a hot stretch of three in four holes from No. 10, were enough to keep him in front at seven-under 137.

And as Lumbo held firm, the rest struggled to keep pace.

Ryan Monsalve took over as his closest pursuer after carding a bogey-free 68 for 139, while Russell Bautista matched that four-under round to sit solo third at 140 — proof that the tour’s lesser-known names are ready to shake things up in this P3.5-million event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

“I hit some good second shots today,” Monsalve said. “I understood the course better and knew where to place my shots.”

For the final stretch, he’s keeping his plan simple: “Just hit fairways and put myself in good positions on the greens.”

Reymon Jaraula, the runaway Del Monte leg champion, shot a 71 highlighted by an eagle to join Korean Jaehyun Jung (70) at 141. Jung, who narrowly lost in a playoff at Apo last week, birdied three of his last four holes.

Ramil Bisera leaned on local knowledge to post a 69 and tie Michael Bibat (71) at 142, while Angelo Que, Keanu Jahns, and Marvin Dumandan shared eighth at 143. Que, a three-time Asian Tour winner, bounced back big with a sizzling 67 after a rough opening 76.

Through it all, Lumbo stayed composed, refusing to let the pressure show.

“I just stuck to my plan — hit fairways, hit greens, and if I’m lucky, one-putt,” he said. “I can feel the pressure a bit, but I just want to enjoy the game. I’m not thinking about my opponents — just staying calm and focused.”

That calm, steady mindset has kept him on top for two straight days. With two rounds left, the rookie’s breakthrough moment might just be within reach.