BAGUIO CITY – Manila Southwoods came out with its guns blazing and turned a two-point deficit into a five-point advantage after two rounds of seniors competition in the 72^nd Fil-Am Men’s Invitational played at the Camp John Hay Golf Club Tuesday here.

Veteran Jun Jun Plana used his extensive course knowledge to score 38 points spiked by birdied on hole Nos. 3, 6, 10 and 15 that negated a lone pick up on No. 7.

Also delivering were Raul Miñoza (32), Manfred Guangko (30), and Jose Roy III (27) as Southwoods produced a127 for a 248 total.

Luisita, out to regain the premier Fil-Championship division crown, got 33 from Benjie Sumulong, 31 from Marty Ilagan, 29 from Dan Cruz and 27 from Chino Raymundo for 120.

Luisita is hoping to make amends when action shifts to the short but tough Baguio Country Club course starting Wednesday.

 “I believe that guys have already settled down after 36 holes. The battle now is how to manage our games in BCC. Apart from being good, it also helps to be “lucky” there. Sometimes, good shots are not rewarded and bad shots are rewarded,” said Southwoods captain Freddie Mendoza.

Mamala Bay pooled 118 points to grab third place with a 224 total – thanks to the 40 points of Chris Howard.

Over at BCC, Camp John Hay Team 1 practically captured Fil-B title after taking an imposing 53-point lead against Baguio Country Club Team 1.

CJH assembled 96 points for 326 while BCC collected 85 for 273. Scorers for John Hay were Dai Tsuchiya (26), John Marasigan (25), Villamor Bumanglag (23) and Bayani Tecson (22).