Luisita Golf Club arrived in Davao City yesterday  to sneak in two practice rounds before the start of the Philippine Airlines Interclub seniors golf championship which gets going Thursday.

Runner-up last year in Cagayan de Oro, the Tarlac-based squad is fielding practically the same squad, save for Seve Roxas Chua who replaced Carlo Gamban.

“I think we have an even chance to challenge Canlubang for the title,” declared Luisita team manager Joey Romasanta.

Immediately after arrival, the Sweeties proceeded to Rancho Palos Verdes, one of two golf courses to be used in the four-day event that ends Feb. 19.

On Tuesday, Luisita will sample Apo Golf and Country Club, site of the final round.

Defending champion Canlubang, which routed Luisita by 28 points last year, is set to fly today, although mainstay Tommy Manotoc managed to sample the courses over the weekend.

“Both courses are playing long because of the rains,” said Manotoc who accompanied son Gabriel, a member of the Wack Wack squad seeing action in the regular tournament next week.

The addition of Chua, according to Manotoc, makes Luisita a formidable adversary, promising an exciting showdown between the long-time rivals.

Luisita will again be led by Iggy Clavecilla and Francis Gaston. The other holdovers of the squad are Philippine Sports Commission chairman Ritchie Garcia, Pepot Inigo, Bong Sison, Mining Maravilla and  Lino Magpantay.

Aside from Manotoc, Canlubang will field old reliables Tony Olives, Dave Hernandez, Mari Hechanova, Bing Bunye, Rolly Viray and Luigi Yulo. A new addition is Rene Unson who took the spot of Philip Brodett.

A total of 88 teams, including 42 international squads, are taking part in the event divided into four divisions.

The 65th PAL Interclub is sponsored by Mareco Broadcasting Network, Radio High, Stargate Media and Media Five; while the major backers are Asia Brewery, Business Mirror and Airbus.