ICSTI Riviera Classic to start tomorrow

MHARK Fernando hopes to make an impact once again in the pro tour at the Riviera’s Langer layout, much as he did as an amateur two years ago, as he takes on the rest of the field in the ICTSI Riviera Classic which gets going tomorrow.

Fernando, then spearhead of the national squad, survived the harsh playing condition and humbled the star-studded pro field to win last year, beating Ferdie Aunzo, Richard Sinfuego and Edwin Sanchez by three. He topped the Philippine team eliminations also at Langer one month later to underscore his mastery of the up-and-down par-71 course.

With a confidence boosted by his breakthrough victory as a pro at ICTSI Del Monte Championship last month, Fernando looms as one of the players to beat in the 54-hole championship organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. and sponsored by International Container Terminal Services Inc.

Marvin Dumandan is the other player to watch in the event with last year’s three-leg winner, the former club pro, hoping to re-flash his familiarity with the hazard-laden layout, which changes in character in every twirl of the wind.

Meanwhile, Fernando and Dumandan and the other leading pros get the chance to test the course as they play in the traditional pro-am tournament today along with the guests and officials of the event./Correspondent Jonas Panerio