Al S. Mendoza
All Write
BACOLOD – The team that wins today beams the widest smile in this City of Smiles.
Will it be Canlubang, the favored one with its cache of trophies now totalling 15 since its Cinderella victory in 1977 in Cebu?
Or will The Country Club score an upset, the crew’s credentials not to be sneezed at as its line-up includes two pro-bound talents in Tonlits Asistio and Rufino Bayron?
The signs of upheaval were there last year, when The Country Club took the early lead during its debut in Davao City.
Only Canlubang’s vast experience saved the Sugar Barons from absorbing a king-sized defeat.
In Round 2 on Thursday, The Country Club showed its pangs once more when it took a two-point lead over Canlubang on Asistio’s one-under-par performance at Marapara.
They were fiercely trading shots at Binitin in Murcia as this piece was being rushed yesterday to beat the deadline.
However, whoever was in front after Friday’s penultimate round should desist from dreaming of an outright victory.
The road to romance isn’t strewn with roses but guns.
But one thing is sure.
Today’s conclusion of the 63rd PAL Interclub Golf Championship will not be without a frown tossed out the window and a crown taken home with pride.
After the shouts of joy, there will emerge a deep sense of fulfilment for the winner and a bruised pride for the loser.
The tenor of tension would be evident on coaches from both sides.
Bong Lopez, the coach of The Country Club, has only revenge in his heart.
He was unceremoniously removed as coach of the RP Team in the last Laos SEA Games, replaced by Tommy Manotoc.
Downgraded to coach the Ladies Team, Lopez still displayed his usual best and steered his ragtag team to a double-gold medal victory in both individual and team play.
In contrast, Manotoc sputtered, absorbing an embarrassing setback when his fancied wards lost.
It was first-class vindication Lopez had achieved in Laos, a first-degree shame Manotoc had to face when he came home empty-handed.
A win today would be total triumph for Lopez to savor, a double-whammy for Manotoc to endure.
Such is the hoopla in today’s unfolding drama.
(alsol47@yahoo.com)