Michael Bibat has pulled out of the ICTSI Riviera Championship due to back spasms, leaving Zanieboy Gialon and Guido Van de Valk as the only leg winners in the cast.
Bibat won the tour’s last tournament at Eagleridge’s Aoki course. He injured his back while working at the gym last week.
“Really felt bad for not being able to play this week. I’ve been preparing to score a follow-up to my win at Eagle Ridge but got injured. My therapy session runs till next week, so hopefully, I’ll be able to suit up for Pradera Verde,” Bibat said.
Gialon posted a runaway victory in Caliraya Springs’ first hosting of a PGT leg last April while Van der Valk pulled off a stirring come-from-behind win to defeat Luisita stage winner Miguel Tabuena in sudden death at Splendido Taal last May.
Tabuena has resumed his overseas campaign and is not in the field.
However, the P2-million event put up by ICSI boasts a star-studded field that includes Japan Golf Tour regulars Juvic Pagunsan and Angelo Que and former Order of Merit winners Tony Lascuna and Clyde Mondilla.
Also in the field are ageless icon Frankie Minoza and Asian Development Tour campaigners Ira Alido, Rupert Zaragosa, Fidel Concepcion and Eric Gallardo.
Six amateurs spice up the title hunt with Leandro Bagtas, Edison Tabalin, Jonas Magcalayo, Josh Jorge, Zachary Villaroman and Shinichi Suzuki keen on pulling off a surprise at the well-maintained par-71, tight, rolling layout with deep bunkers and hazards and sleek surface.
