Concepcion upsets Bibat
Fidel Concepcion stunned No. 6 Michael Bibat in the ICTSI Villamor Match Play Invitational, one of few results that disrupted the form chart at the Villamor Golf Club Tuesday.
Concepcion, who grew up in Australia, needed two extra holes to bundle out Bibat and arrange a match with Anthony Fernando who ousted Sean Jean Ramos, 3 and 1.
The top five seeds, led by Guido Van der Valk, reached the next round.
Van der Valk eased out Dan Emilio Cruz, 4 and 2.
“I played relatively good. I hit a couple of good shots and the course is in perfect condition. I played many times here but I didn’t win, Hopefully, I’ll make it this time,” Van der Valk said.
The Dutchman, who is married to a Filipina, gets a chance to exact revenge on Jerson Balasabas when they clash in the Round of 16.
In 2018, Balasabas edged Van der Valk in sudden death for the Philippine Masters title.
Balasabas advanced after outlasting Dino Villanueva after 20 holes.
Tony Lascuna, ranked second, subdued fellow Davaoeño Paul Echavez, 3 and 1.
“I’m good with my irons and short game but struggled with my putting, which I need to sharpen to keep me going in the next three days,” said Lascuña who gets an acid test against internationalist Angelo Que in Tuesday’s featured encounter.
Que nipped Orlan Sumcad, 1-up.
Villamor is a tough course and really good for match play.
Que struggled to find his rhythm and trailed Sumcad after five holes.
“The turning point was No. 9, he threeputted for me to go 1-up. Then at No. 14, I really made a good birdie and went 2-up and cruised from there,” the amiable three-time Asian Tour winner said.
“Villamor is a tough course and really good for match play,” Que said.
“I started pretty bad, making two, three bogeys coming into the first five, six holes. Luckily I was able to come back and get the win.”
No. 3 Clyde Mondilla held off Mars Pucay, 2-up, while Zanieboy Gialon eliminated Art Arbole, 4 and 2.
“I had a tough time since Mars is also a strong player, just can’t be too confident in this kind of format,” Mondilla said.
Mondilla takes on Jay Bayron, a 3 and 2 winner over Rico Depilo while Gialon battles Lloyd Jefferson Go who routed Marvin Dumandan, 5 and 4.
Travel-weary Miguel Tabuena had no trouble beating Richard Sinfuego, 6 and 4. He next faces Rupert Zaragosa who rolled past legend Frankie Minoza, 6 and 4.
In other matches, Keanu Jahns nipped Ira Alido, 1-up; Gerald Rosales edged Joenard Rates, 1-up; Anthony Fernando hacked out a 3 and 1 win over Sean Ramos; and Jhonnel Ababa disposed of Albin Engino, 4 and 2.