Manila, Jan. 29 -- Clyde Mondilla carded a 73 Wednesday to wrest a two-stroke lead at The Country Club Invitational in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

He overcame a rocky front nine and the challenging conditions to finish with a one-under 143.

"I'm glad I was able to recover, especially since I wasn't hitting it very well," said Mondilla, who made a crucial birdie on the 15th hole and parred the final holes to keep the lead.

Reymon Jaraula and Jay Bayron both registered rounds of 71, the day's best, while Aidric Chan and LJ Go had a 74 and 76, respectively.

Go remained tied for second at 145, alongside Chan, Jaraula and Bayron.

"On this course, it's not really over even on the final three holes. The course can turn on you at any time," said Mond...