Pint-sized Rupert Zaragosa opened a three-shot lead after posting a four-under par 68 in the Zamboanga pro golf tournament in Zamboanga City Wednesday.
Zaragosa collected seven birdies against three bogeys at the Zamboanga Golf and Beach Resort, a tree-lined course featuring tight fairways.
Two of those birdies came from 15 feet while the rest was inside eight feet. He missed only four greens.
“The course is difficult,” said the 25-year-old pro whose last win came in 2016. “Even if you hit the ball in the middle of the fairway, sometimes you still don’t have a view of the green.”
Elmer Saban was the only other player to break par after returning a 71. He had four birdies against three bogeys.
Legend Frankie Minoza had two birdies against two bogeys to shoot a 72 in a tie with Ferdie Aunzo and Zanieboy Gialon.
Juvic Pagunsan, the top favorite, carded a 73 to share sixth with Marvin Dumandan and lady pro Nicole Fleetwood.
Bunched in a big group on 74 were Efren Robles Jr., Jeonard Rates, Leonard Lofranco, James Ryan Lam, Elmer Salvador, Rufino Bayron and Robert Pactolerin.
The two-day tournament offers P500,000 in cash prizes.
The leading scores:
68 — Rupert Zaragosa
71 — Elmer Saban
72 — Frankie Minoza, Ferdie Aunzo, Zanieboy Gialon
73 — Nicole Fleetwood, Marvin Dumandan, Juvic Pagunsan
74 — Efren Robles Jr., Jeonard Rates, Leonard Lofranco, James Ryan Lam, Elmer Salvador, Rufino Bayron, Robert Pactolerin
75 — Reymon Jaraula, Rico Depilo, Angelo Anzuris, Mhark Fernando, Jerson Balasabas
76 — Albin Engino, Francis Morilla, Jett Plete, Michael Bibat
77 — Andy Bartolome, Seo Dong Bin, Erwin Arcillas, Arnie Fernando
78 — Antolin Fernando, Joseph Labajo, Roland Yebes, Orlan Sumcad, Johvanie Abano
79 — Arnold Villacencio, Allan Remata, Mario Labajo
