Lascuña strikes again

DAVAO – Tony Lascuña turned in another virtuoso performance that foiled not just one or two but three rivals of varied skills and talents on Saturday, closing out with a scorching backside assault for a course record-tying 66 and a threestroke victory over Ira Alido in the ICTSI South Pacific Classic.

One stroke behind Michael Bibat, Clyde Mondilla and Alido after 54 holes, Lascuña played with so much confidence and poise of a veteran campaigner, flashing solid drives, superb iron play and putting that produced seven birdies, including four in the decisive stretch that turned what had appeared to be a tight finish into another romp.

“I played a superb game, especially at the back. But I just want to think that this (tournament) is really mine. This (victory) is so sweet,” said Lascuña, who punched the air with his left hand after holing out and hugging his five-year-old son Antonio III as he completed a 12-under 276 total worth another P550,000 he received from Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. executive director Narlene Soriano.

Lascuña, who dominated practically the same field at Apo which he also won by three over Fil-German Keanu Jahns last week, sizzled early with three birdies against a bogey at the front but it was not until he rolled in another birdie from short range on the 10th that he caught up with Bibat at nine-under overall.

He then stormed ahead for good with back-toback birdies from No. 12 in second-to-last flight, a charge that the erstwhile leaders had failed to match, enabling the Davaoeño ace to close out the milestone 10th season of the Philippine Golf Tour with back-to-back victories.