Fernando cousins lead in Del Monte

COUSINS Mark and Anthony Fernando took control of the field as they posted a 67 and a 68, respectively for the 1-2 positions after the second round of action in the ICTSI Del Monte Challenge yesterday at the Del Monte Golf Club in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon.

Mark gunned down six birdies in a five-under-par 67 to take a one-stroke lead over Anthony heading into the final round .

Anthony went without a bogey after 32 holes before dropping a stroke on No. 15 after missing the green. Still, he turned in a career-best 136 over 36 holes with back-to-back 68s.

Rookie Jessie Balasabas fired one of three bogey-free rounds for the day—also a 67—that kept him within two of the pace and in prime position to nail a first victory.

Defending champion Cassius Casas stood at 137 after salvaging a 70 marred by four lipped-out birdie putts

After a brilliant 67 in the first round, Casas struggled with his putting all day and settled for a two-under 70, dropping two shots off the pace at 137 in a tie with Balasabas.

Juvic Pagunsan was just three strokes behind after a 68, tied with former PH Open champ Elmer Salvador (68).  Correspondent Jonas Panerio with the inquirer