Hot Salahog storms ahead with 66

CARMONA, Cavite – Little-known Nilo Salahog fired a 6-under 66 and grabbed a one-stroke clubhouse lead over Orlan Sumcad midway through the ICTSI Manila Southwoods Championship at the Legends course here.

While the early frontrunners slowing down in rainy condition, Salahog rattled off eight birdies against two bogeys for a two-day total of 130 – his best 36-hole so far in five winless years as a pro.

Lexus Keoninh, who shot a 63 in the first round, actually pooled a 15-under overall with a six-under card yesterday but the American still had three holes left when play was stopped due to darkness with 19 flights to complete play early today.

Macedoninan Peter Stojanovski, who made a late rally to tie Tony Lascuña record-equaling 62 Wednesday, slowed down despite an early tee-start, settling for a 70 for provisional fourth at 132 while Paul Harris, also of the US, shot a 67 for fifth at 133.

After a sizzling first round feat, Lascuña’s putter turned, flubbing at least six birdie chances inside six feet and remained at 10-under overall with seven holes to play in a tie with Mhark Fernando, who had a six-under card with three holes to play, and American Nicolas Paez, who was at four-under after nine holes.

Miguel Tabuena stood at nine-under overall with a four-under card after nine holes in a tie with Jobim Carlos, with a two-under after 12 holes, Zanieboy Gialon, with a three-under after nine holes, and amateur Ryan Monsalve, with a three-under with seven holes left.