Phl golfers fall from top

The Philippines suffered a dramatic stumble at the Siam Country Club Rolling Hills, losing its grip on the individual lead at the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Pattaya, Thailand, on Friday.

Rolando Bregente, who blazed through the opening round with a seven-under-par 65, looked poised for another stellar performance, posting an eagle on the par-5 sixth hole and adding two birdies.

But five costly bogeys saw him shoot a 73, dropping him to third at 6-under, seven shots behind Thai leader Laopakdee Pongsapak, who fired a 66.

Chris John Remata was the bright spot for Team Philippines, carding a 70, while Perry Josef Bucay and Shinichi Suzuki struggled with 75 and 82, respectively.

In the women’s event, overnight co-leader Rianne Malixi’s challenge faltered as she shot a 79, her round plagued by a triple and a double bogey, dropping her to a tie for seventh.

At 5-over, the 18-year-old Duke University standout now trails Thai Kaopattanaskul Kritchanya by nine strokes with two rounds remaining.

Junia Gabasa shot the team’s best round — a 77 — while Grace Quintanilla had a 79.