SILANG, Cavite – Consistency defined the second day of the ICTSI Junior PGT Luzon Series 4 as first-round leaders across various age-group categories in both the boys’ and girls’ divisions secured victories at the Riviera Golf and Country Club’s Couples course on Wednesday.
Vito Sarines notched his third leg victory in smashing fashion, carding a 74 in overcast skies after a 70 as he assembled an even 144 total for a whopping 15-stroke triumph over Jacob Casuga, who pooled a 159 after a 79. Nathaniel Yeung struggled with a 91 and wound up third with a 178 in the boys’ 10-12 category.
Sarines, who won the Splendido Taal and Pinewoods tournaments and secured a second-place finish at Pradera Verde, vowed to secure at least one more win in the final three legs of the seven-leg Luzon series.
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“I will compete in the rest of the Luzon series and aim for another victory,” he said.
In the girls’ 10-12 division, Aerin Chan clinched the top spot after two fifth-place finishes in previous tournaments. She slowed down with an 86 after an impressive 73 and won by five with a 159 total.
Quincy Pilac shot an 85 for second at 164, while Pradera Verde leg winner Georgina Handog and Maurysse Abalos, who topped the Splendido Taal leg, placed third and fourth with 84-175 and 97-191, respectively, in the fourth leg of the regional series sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
"It’s really exciting to win, and I hope to continue this success in future tournaments,” said Chan. She emphasized the importance of working on her attitude, adding, “My goal is to significantly improve my short game, especially my putting."
In the boys’ 8-9 group, Cebu’s Kvan Alburo, already a finalist after dominating the three-part Visayas series, delivered another wire-to-wire triumph. He matched his first round output of 90, finishing the 36-hole competition with a 180. He bested Jesus Yambao and Michael Ray Hortel II by 23 strokes.
Yambao carded a 104 while Hortel II faltered with a 105 as they tied for second with 203s with the former snaring runner-up honors via countback.
Sizzling Serapio debut
Athena Serapio made a strong debut in the JPGT, cruising to an 11-stroke victory in the girls’ youngest category with a 91 for a 184 total. Tyra Garingalao finished second with 100 for a 195, while Andrea Dee came in third with a 103, totaling 202.
In the 13-15 category, set over 54 holes, Jose Carlos Taruc and Levonne Talion maintained firm control, while Patrick Tambalque and Rafa Anciano stayed ahead of their rivals in the premier 16-18 division of the nationwide circuit supported by PGTI official apparel Kampfortis Golf.
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