Lascuna-led team wins Sherwood Hills' pro-am event

Trece Martires, Cavite — Antonio Lascuna underscored his readiness for a title shot when he teamed up with three amateur stars to win the pro-am side event of the P1-million ICTSI-Sherwood Hills Classic held at the Sherwood Hills Golf Club. Lascuna and stars Martin Jickain, Tonton Gutierrez and wife Glydel Mercado topped the 18-hole pre-tournament activity with a net 19-under-par 73. Jerome Delariarte with Mori Mendoza, Pong Manuel and Manny Basquena finished second with a 55. Sophomore pro Anthony Fernando and pals Lee Santos, Javy Legarda and Joey Go shot a 56 to place third. "I’m happy to be with the celebrities but it’ll be a different thing when the real battle begins," said Lascuna, who pocketed P15,000 in the pro-am. While focus might lean towards Lascuna, Elmer Salvador is seeking to defend his Sherwood Hills crown for his first of two triumphs in the 2009 ICTSI-organized Philippine Golf Tour. Salvador is coming off a victory over Jay Bayron in the ICTSI Classic at Mt. Malarayat last month. It will indeed be an early test of will for the reticent Davaoeno who will also try to become the first player to score a repeat leg win on the circuit after beating Benjie Magada by five shots at Sherwood last year. "I’ll just play my game. Medyo kumpiyansa pa rin naman at okay ang palo," said Salvador during a break in the traditional pro-am, which featured celebrities, guests and ICTSI business partners. Aside from Asian Tour campaigner Lascuna, a host of other top pros and amateurs are out to foil Salvador’s title defense. Ace shotmaker Juvic Pagunsan, top amateurs Jhonnel Ababa and Jerson Balasbas, TCC winner Angelo Que, 2008 winner Robert Pactolerin, big-hitting Orlan Sumcad, Gene Bondoc, Artemio Murakami and Marvin Dumandan are also expected to figure prominently in the race for top honors. Former RP Open champion Gerald Rosales, who will be making his first appearance after a long layoff due to injury, is among the 80 pros and 22 amateurs that are seeing action in the tournament. ICTSI-The Country Club team captain Antonio Asistio II and Rufino Bayron will be making their debuts along with amateurs Peter Villaber, Dante Becierra, Zanie Boy Gialon, Erwin Madrileno, Sonny Villaber, Dino Villanueva and Miguel Tabuena. – Adrian Flores, GMANews.TV