BACOLOD City. — With its cherished dream already in the bag, Canlubang is now playing pressure-free in the 61st Philippine Airlines (PAL) Interclub tournament.

It showed in the way the Sugar Barons turned in a solid 138 points Friday, reducing the championship division into a battle for the crumbs with one round left

With earlier rounds of 130 and 137, Canlubang hiked its 54-hole total to 405 for a whopping 31-point spread over rival Manila Southwoods, which only managed a 131 for 374.  Del Monte was just seven shots behind with 367 after a 124.

With its impending victory, the Laguna-based team will get championship division title and the tournament’s second three-peat–three championships in both the seniors and regular men’s tournaments.

Jessie Balasabas submitted 36 markers, an even-par 70 at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club, to pace the Sugar Barons. Rufino Bayron backed him up with a 35, Paul Echavez made 34 and Mark Fernando added 33.

"I think the other teams should develop good players like we do," said Canlubang team captain Luigi Yulo, referring to his players who are almost all former caddies.

Although it leads Del Monte by seven, Southwoods is not yet sure of getting its third straight runner-up finish. 

Southwoods, looking to stop Canlubang’s bid for a share of the record with Luisita with that triple-double, looked sharp at the onset as Tonlits Asistio churned out 38 points, followed by Anthony Fernando’s 34 and Miggy Yee’s 33.

However, the Southwoods rally fizzled out when Miko Yee limped home with a 26 to count as the last man for the Cavite team.  Chucky Hong, a member of the De La Salle golf team, produced the lowest score of 23.

"The lead is too big to overcome but I told my boys there is nothing to be ashamed of.  We will still play our best tomorrow," said Southwoods skipper Thirdy Escaño.

Negros Golf Club 337 (109-118-110) saw its lead cut to three despite playing in familiar territory at the Negros Golf and Country Club as Cebu Country Club 334 (108-107-119) stepped up Friday in the Founders division.  Orchard Golf was a far third with 318 (103-108-107).

Villamor shot 120 points for 326 to pull away from the pack in the Sportswriters division, Trailing were Iloilo with 96-308 and Alta Vista 103-304.

Victorias Golf and FilAm Florida finished tied with 219 apiece to jointly lead in the Sportswriters Division. Pinoy Vancouver was third with 212.