MANILA – Promising rookie Carl Corpus carded a 69 to grab the lead in the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship in Cavinti, Laguna, on Wednesday, Aug. 6, 2025.
Corpus fired a clutch two-birdie finish in his last nine holes for a 35-34 to register a nine-under 135 aggregate.
“I struck the ball better yesterday (Tuesday),” said Corpus, who shared the first-round lead with Angelo Que. “I prepared and executed the same way today, but I had a few errant shots and less solid executions.”
“I told myself not to dwell on mistakes and to focus on what I could still do right. I just needed to make a strong back nine charge. I was able to make more putts and finish strong,” Corpus, who birdied Nos. 12 and 15 to close with a solid 34, added.
Que, on the other hand, carded a 70 for a joint second at 136.
“I hit it better today than yesterday but putted worse. I know I still shot two-under, but it could’ve easily gone very low. I just missed a lot of putts,” the three-time Asian Tour champion said.
“But it is what it is. Hopefully I can sort out the putting tomorrow,” Que added.
Tied with Que were Jhonnel Ababa, who fired an eagle-spiked 67, and Korean Ji Sung Cheon, who had a 66.
Forty-five players advanced to the final 36 holes, with five making the cut at one-over 145, including Art Arbole (69), Gabriel Manotoc (72), Luigi Wong (73), Gerald Rosales (73), and Korean Tae Won Ha (74).
In the women’s division, Sarah Ababa carded a 70 to share the lead with Chihiro Ikeda and Princess Superal.
Ababa finished with a second straight two-under card to stay on top at 140. Ikeda fired a 68, while Superal had a 69.
“I’m happy with my iron shots. I hit 17 greens today,” Ababa, who is eyeing another Ladies Philippine Golf Tour title after winning in Iloilo last year, said.
“I had a few three-putts, but that birdie on the 18th gave me a boost. There’s no pressure going into tomorrow, especially since I’ll be playing with friends. I’ll just enjoy the game,” she added.
Defending champion Harmie Constantino carded a 69 and Florence Bisera had a 71 for joint second at 142.
Martina Miñoza carded a 72 and a 143 aggregate, while first-round leader Kim Seo Yun slid to seventh with a 75 and a 144 total. / PNA