Canlubang opened an 11-point cushion yesterday but it was a local standout playing for Luisita who made heads turn on day 2 of the Philippine Airlines Interclub Seniors tournament at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Bacolod City.

The Sugar Barons from Laguna, gunning for a third straight crown, registered 144 points for a two-day tally of 289 in the championship division, 11 points ahead of Luisita, which was unable to close in, despite the brilliance of Marapara regular Francis Gaston.

Relying on his familiarity of the par-70 tree-lined layout, the former national amateur champion signed for a two-over 72 that was equivalent to 52 points under the Interclub scoring system.

Gaston's output consisted of three birdies on the back nine to help offset his five bogeys, including four on the first nine holes. In strengthening his bid for a first-ever individual crown, Gaston nailed birdies at No. 10, 13 and 14 – all within four feet.

"We have a huge task ahead," Gaston said.

Former Putra Cup campaigner Dave Hernandez, Canlubang's new recruit, led his squad with 50 points, a four-over 74 in regulation, to pace the Sugar Barons. He was backstopped by the 49 of Tony Olives and 45 of Bing Bunyi. 

Luisita, spearheaded by Gaston, moved up one place with 141 points for a 278 aggregate. Manila Golf, which surprised everyone by placing second to Canlubang after the first round, struggled with a 131 and slipped down to third place with 273. 

Co-host NOGCC moved up to fifth, after Lito Ong, Panyo Torre and Baby Infante pooled together a 131. Counting its 128 in Binitin Thursday, NOGCC has 259 points, just 4 points behind Pueblo de Oro.

With play shifting to Binitin today, Rene Silos, Boy Manaloto, Torre and Infante will carry the fight for Marapara.

Luis Coscolluela, among the leaders in individual play after scoring 51 points on Day 1, Boy Piccio, Silos and Manaloto will close it out for Marapara on Sunday.

Baguio Country Club scored 120 for a 245 total to remain on top in the Friendship Division.  Club Intramuros shot 116 to go with its first round 115 to keep second at 231 andVictorias made 102 to retain third spot with 204.  

Airbus, Boeing, Bombardier, GE, Solar Sports and MTV Philippines are platinum sponsors of this year's tournament, while Action Asia, PACSPORTS, Business Mirror, 105.1 fm Crossover and Royal Caribbean are major supporters.

Also supporting the tournament are Fortune Tobacco, GECAS, MasterCard, People Asia, RMN, Bombo Radyo, Callaway Golf, Century Park Hotel, Lufthansa Technik, Patio Pacific Boracay. Callaway Golf, Lufthansa Technik, Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company and Pan Pacific Hotel.*CPT

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