BAGUIO CITY — Benjamin Sumulong scored 35 points while Martin Ilagan added 30 as Luisita took a two-point lead against Manila Southwoods at the start of the Fil-Championship division in the 72^nd Fil-Am Men’s Invitational Sunday at the Camp John Hay Golf Club here.

They got solid support from Danilo Cruz and Rodel Mangulabnan, who each submitted 29 for the team’s output of 123 points. Manila Southwoods assembled 121 on the 34 of Raul Minoza, 30 of Junjun Plana, 29 of Theody Pascual and 28 of Manfred Guangko.

Sumulong said they could have scored better if not for the opening-day jitters.

 “We haven’t had a competition as big as this in the last three years. Everybody is adapting to team play again. We just have to keep grinding, especially in the last two rounds at the short but tricky Baguio Country Club, where the real scoring battle is,” the amiable team captain said.

Riviera is a distant third with 111 followed by Mamala Bay 106 and Leeward Filam of Hawaii 92.

In the Am-A division, Bibak NY/NJ iGolfers collected 79 points and 160 total in two rounds. Herbert Donglasan led all scorers with 34. Diman Felipe, Ramon Gaoat and John Dangos added 18, 15 and 12, respectively.

At second spot is Pradera Verde which tallied an 81 for a two-day total of 151.

Willy Cabalce led the team with 24 followed by Bobby Inigo (23), Butch Bakunawa (18) and Jojo Mercado (16).