By Adriano Flores

DAVAO City?Tough weather and course conditions marred the second round of the 62nd Philippine Airlines Interclub, which saw newcomer The Country Club losing the lead to its rival Canlubang on Thursday.

For the second straight day, heavy morning rains made the Apo Golf Club course wet, soggy and muddy, making play more difficult. The Country Club, though, continued its surprising run in its first PAL Interclub, even grabbing a narrow two-point lead after the initial four flights. 

But its fifth man, the highly fancied Ferdinand Aunzo, only managed a 32 and gave away four points off Cangolf?s Jhonnel Ababa?s 36. That four-point bubble proved to be enough cushion for Canlubang, which turned a five-point deficit to a two-point advantage.

The 59-year-old Tommy Manotoc and 24-year-old Jonel Ababa shot identical 36s to carry the scoring load.  Pint-sized Mario Labajo and Zanie Boy Gialon contributed 32 and 28, respectively, to give Canlubang 132 points for a 265.

Putra Cupper Rufino Bayron and fellow hometown hero Peter Villaber and Art Arbole supported Aunzo with 31s to give The Country Club 125 for the day and 263 total. 

?Obviously, our players came out too stiff and tight. Aunzo and Bayron, two of our best personnel, came out flat. They were just too eager and, eventually, lost focus toward the game. I?m sure they?ll be back stronger in their next outing,? TCC captain Freddie Mendoza said.

Mendoza and TCC coach Bong Lopez are hoping that their second unit, which actually gave them the lead after the first round, will deliver again at the Rancho Palos Verdes.

?I?m still confident of my players pulling it off in the end and remain optimistic of finishing with a smashing debut,? Mendoza also said.

With this development, a thrilling duel looms between TCC and Canlubang, the same way it did in the seniors? tournament between the Luisita Sweeties and Canlubang Sugar Barons.

Cebu Country Club maintained overall leadership in the Founders division with a 135 for 247. Tagaytay Highlands was next with 131-232 followed by Davao Golf with 104-215.

The Platinum sponsors of the PAL Interclub are ABS-CBN Cable Channels & Print Media Group, Airbus, Boeing, Business Mirror, Mizuno, MTV Philippines, Radio Mindanao Network, GE Aviation and Solar Sports.

Action Asia, Bombo Radyo, Crossover 105.1, People Asia, Royal Caribbean and XFM 92.3 are the major backers.