Salvador, Asistio grab PHL Open lead

Elmer Salvador scored a three-under-par 69 and Antonio Asistio II carded a four-under-par 68 to grab the lead from Frankie Miñoza in the second round of the P2-million Philippine Open held at the Valley Golf Club. Salvador, aiming for back-to-back wins, is now ahead with a 138 after Miñoza struggled to a one-over 73 (141) to drop to joint fifth place with Richard Sinfuego and Ferdie Aunzo. Asistio, the rookie pro, caught up with Salvador in the afternoon. He hopes to win (the youngest if he does at 19) and build some momentum leading to the 2011 Philippine Golf Tour season. Orlan Sumcad, also a joint leader with Robert Pactolerin and amateur Zanie Boy Gialon in the opener, was at 139 after a 71. Rufino Bayron followed at 71-140. The 49-year-old Pactolerin, who topped this event exactly two decades ago at Wack Wack, struggled with a three-over 75 and slipped to a group of 143 scorers that include Anthony Fernando (70) and Russell Honrubia (73). The 22-year-old Gialon, meanwhile, failed to sustain his hot start and slid to a five-over 77 for a 145. A total of 72 players, including 58 pros, made the cut at 153 although the other fancied bets stood too far behind the joint leaders, including Artemio Murakami (70-144), Marvin Dumandan (69-145), rookie pro Mhark Fernando (73-145) and former champion Cassius Casas (72-147). – Adrian Flores, JVP, KY, GMANews.TV