BACOLOD CITY — Tommy Manotoc may have to sascrifice his bid for a fourth individual title to help Canlubang win a fifth straight championship in the Philippine Airlines Seniors Interclub tournament here.

Manotoc, the 60-year-old warrior, said he’s ready to play Marapara twice if asked to, effectively disqualifying him from the race for the individual trophy.

A player is required to play both courses to qualify for the individual title.

“We are expecting a big fight from Luisita because of its new additions,” said Manotoc, just minutes before teeing off at Marapara, the longer and more difficult of two courses being used for the four-day event.

The event got underway Thursday with Canlubang and Luisita players bunched in the mid-morning flights.

Last year, Luisita stunned Canlubang on opening day, taking an 18-point lead at Rancho Palos Verdes in Davao.

But the Sugar Barons rallied to cut the deficit to a single digit going into the final day and rode on Manotoc’s hot finish to complete an eight-point win.

“We can no longer afford to give Luisita such luxury,” Manotoc said.

Luisita has been bolstered by the arrival of ex-Manila Southwoods regular player Herminio Maravilla and Lino Magpantay, former member of two Canlubang championship teams.

“Maravilla is a strong player,” Manotoc conceded.

Aside from Manotoc, Canlubang fielded Mari Hechanova, Bing Bunye and rookie Dan Morales in the first round.

Iggy Clavecilla, who arrived Wednesday night, started for Luisita along with Carlo Gamban, Pepot Inigo, and Magpantay. Clavecilla is expected to play again Friday since he has to return home to attend post-cremation rites.