ANGELO QUE came out smoking from a spirited and chaotic battle in the second round on Wednesday to break away from a tightly-bunched field with a solid 66 for a four-stroke lead halfway through the ICTSI Summit Point Championship in Lipa City.
At 47, the reigning Philippine Golf Tour (PGT) Order of Merit champion Que emerged from the crowded leaderboard by birdieing the first three holes at the turn, seizing solo control before leaning on a string of gutsy pars to protect his advantage.
The result was a second straight six-under card and a 12-under 132 total, putting him in prime position to chase a second PGT victory of the season after outdueling Tony Lascuña in a thrilling finish at Caliraya Springs.
‘Winning is a motivation for me, especially at this age,’ Que said. ‘If you can keep winning, then that’s a good sign.’
The P2.5-million championship has produced a scoring bonanza with the stellar field taking full advantage of favorable scoring conditions under winter rules.
But Que faced a strong group of challengers led by Carl Corpus and cousin Aidric Chan, veteran Reymon Jaraula and first-round leader Justin Quiban.
Corpus, 25, emerged as Que’s closest pursuer after matching Que’s 66 in spectacular fashion.
Seeking a second PGT title following his breakthrough at Valley Golf last year, Corpus also used a blazing frontside finish to surge into solo second at 136.
He came alive after a birdie-bogey start on the backside, birdieing the first two holes before gunning down an eagle on the par-five No. 3 and adding birdies on the next two.
After a par, Corpus birdied the seventh for a sizzling 29 and a 66 and Chan stayed within striking distance at 137 after a 69.
Jaraula also made a significant move, firing seven birdies against two bogeys for a 67 to join Chan and Quiban at 137 with Quiban settling for a 72 to remain tied for third at seven-under overall.