Carl Corpus in action during the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship in Cavinti, Laguna on Wednesday (Aug. 6, 2025). He fired a 69 to take the lead after two rounds. (Contributed photo)
Carl Corpus showed nerves of steel on Wednesday, surging to the top of the leaderboard with a gritty three-under-par 69 in the second round of the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship in Cavinti, Laguna.
The promising rookie wrapped up his round with back-to-back birdies, finishing with a 35-34 for a two-day total of nine-under 135 to take the solo lead.
“I struck the ball better yesterday,” said Corpus, who shared the opening round lead with Angelo Que. “Today, I had a few mis-hits, but I told myself to focus on what I could still do right. I knew I needed a strong backnine charge—and I managed to finish well.”
Corpus sank birdies on holes 12 and 15 to close out with momentum.
Angelo Que, meanwhile, settled for a 70, slipping to a tie for second at 136.
“I hit it better today than yesterday, but I couldn’t convert the putts,” said the three-time Asian Tour champion. “It could’ve been a really low round. Hopefully, I can fix my putting tomorrow.”
Joining Que at 136 were Jhonnel Ababa, who fired a 67 that included an eagle, and Korean Ji Sung Cheon, who shot a 66 to stay in the title mix.
Out of the entire field, 45 players advanced to the final 36 holes after making the cut at one-over 145. Among those who made it through were Art Arbole (69), Gabriel Manotoc (72), Luigi Wong (73), Gerald Rosales (73), and Korean Tae Won Ha (74).
In the women’s division, Sarah Ababa held on to her lead with another steady 70, but now shares the top spot at four-under 140 with Chihiro Ikeda and Princess Superal. Ikeda surged with a 68 while Superal stayed close with a 69.
“I’m happy with my iron shots—I hit 17 greens today,” said Ababa, who is eyeing another Ladies Philippine Golf Tour title after winning in Iloilo last year. “I had a few three-putts but the birdie on the 18th gave me a boost. There’s no pressure going into tomorrow, especially since I’ll be playing with friends. I’ll just enjoy the game.”
Defending champion Harmie Constantino fired a 69 to tie Florence Bisera (71) at 142. Martina Miñoza turned in a 72 for a 143 total, while first-round leader Kim Seo Yun dropped to seventh after carding a 75 for a 144 aggregate.
With both divisions tightly packed at the top, the final two rounds at Caliraya Springs are shaping up to be a thrilling battle for the crown.