Jhonnel Ababa produced the only bogey-free round of the day to take the early lead at the International Container Terminal Services Inc. Iloilo Golf Challenge, opening the P2.5-million tournament with a three-under-par 67 at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club.
Ababa finished one stroke ahead of a group of six players at 68, including multi-titled campaigner Clyde Mondilla, Paul Echavez, Reymon Jaraula, Miki Ryoma and Ruperto Zaragosa. Five more players carded 69, while another six finished at 70.
Playing in challenging windy conditions, Ababa relied on accurate driving and iron play while taking advantage of his putting. He made birdies on the sixth, 11th and 14th holes and narrowly missed another birdie opportunity on the 18th after a three-foot putt failed to drop.
The narrow fairways and deep rough demanded precision throughout the opening round. Ababa said the wind became particularly difficult on the back nine, prompting him to focus on hitting greens in regulation and converting his birdie opportunities.
Ababa entered the tournament looking to rebound after contending for three days at last week’s event in Negros Occidental before slipping to third place in the final round. His strong start in Iloilo puts him in position to contend again as the tournament progresses.
Mondilla also threatened to take the outright lead after reaching four under with four holes remaining. However, missed greens on Nos. 6 and 8 led to difficult par attempts and dropped shots, leaving him tied for second.
Jeffren Lumbo, who finished runner-up in Negros last week, was among the players at 69. Reigning Order of Merit champion Angelo Que, meanwhile, opened with a 74 and shared 28th place.
The ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge runs from September 29 to October 2 at the Iloilo Golf and Country Club, with players competing for the tournament title and valuable points in the Philippine golf circuit.
