Solomon Gines turned in a two-under 70 to open a one-stroke lead over Danny Zarate at the start of the four-day ICTSI Philippine Golf Tour Qualifying School at the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club’s Aoki course in Cavite late Tuesday.

Gines, who finished 62nd in the Order of Merit ranking of the recently concluded 2015 tour, gunned down five birdies, including three straight from No. 2, to buck three bogeys in tough condition and wrest control of the 112-player field vying for the top 50 for berths in next year’s circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Only the top 40 players in the 2015 season, ruled by Miguel Tabuena, retained their Tour cards for next year’s circuit.

Zarate, who ended up 72nd in the 2015 season, hit four birdies but stumbled with a bogey and a double-bogey to settle for a 71 while Tonlits Asistio, who reverted back to amateur two years ago, launched his bid to regain his Tour card with a 72, blowing a fine start of 35 with a bogey on the 18th.

Unheralded Nelson Huerva and Henry Bolano carded identical 73s while Christopher delos Santos and Joeleo Torrecampo shot identical 74s.

Amateur Jobim Carlos, who opted to stay as an amateur after topping the Q-School last year, made a 75 to join seven others at eighth, including Boyet Zaragosa, Richard Abaring, Sonny Almazan, John Kier Abdon, Allan Remata, Miko Alejandro and Ramil Bisera.

James Lam, Junro Mamaril and Erwin Arcillas stood at joint 16th with 76s while 12 others, including former all-Pinoy Philippine Open champion Artemio Murakami, Johvanie Abanno, carded similar 77s.

The top 80 players after 36 holes will advance to the final two rounds with the top 50 earning berths for next year’s circuit sponsored by ICTSI. The next 10 players will be included in Category 9 for reserve status.

Meanwhile, the Q-School for foreign players will be held Feb. 3-6 at the Royal Northwoods Golf and Country Club in San Rafael, Bulacan.