RATES, CARLOS TIE FOR LEAD

Joenard Rates and Jobim Carlos, who have unfinished business in the Philippine Masters, carved out one-under-par 71s Thursday to stay tied for the lead after 36 holes of the P3 million event at tree-lined Villamor.

Jessie Balasabas, who started the day in a four-way tie at the top, returned a 72 for 139 to fall a shot back with Rene Menor and former PH Open champion Gerald Rosales shooting a 70 and 71, respectively, to stay three shots adrift.

Carlos, who also led after the first round last year before slowly fading away in the last two rounds, birdied his last two holes to salvage a second straight subpar card and remain on track for a first individual pro win.

Rates, who blew a four-shot lead in the final round last year, also birdied his last hole even as defending champion Clyde Mondilla submitted another 74 to be 10 shots out back.