DAVAO – Ralph and Rafella Batican hammered out gripping victories to sweep the 10-12 category titles, while James Rolida and Mavis Espedido emerged victorious in the 8-9 division of the ICTSI JPGT Mindanao Series 2 at South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates on Wednesday.
Ralph secured a thrilling win with a birdie from four feet in sudden death on No. 9, pulling through after Jared Saban missed a close-range putt. The two tied at 152 over 36 holes, with Ralph looking set for a regulation win until he double-bogeyed the final hole for a round of 79. Saban finished with a 77.
“I played poorly,” said Saban, ruing his five-bogey skid from No. 11 that allowed Saban to mount a comeback.
Rafella Batican wins by two
Rafella, on the other hand, overcame a late challenge from Kimberly Barroquillo to secure a two-stroke victory with a 153 after a round of 77. Despite Barroquillo's strong finish, which included two birdies in the last five holes, she ended up with a 155, also after a five-over-par round.
“I struggled with my putting, but I was able to recover,” said Rafella.
Apo leg winner Brittany Tamayo charged back with a 75 but could only finish at third at 156, while Kelsey Bernardino placed fourth at 160 after an 81.
In the 8-9 division, James Rolida won decisively in the boys’ category with a closing 94 for a 195, while Mavis Espedido triumphed in the girls’ category with a 176 after an 86.
In the boys’ 13-15 division, Alexis Nailga maintained his five-stroke lead with a 161 despite an 80 following a back nine struggle. Apo leg champion AJ Wacan also carded an eight-over card and remained in second with 166, while Joaquin Pasquil stayed at third with 179 after an 88.
Apo leg titlist Johanna Uyking positioned herself for back-to-back victories in the girls’ 13-15 division of the nationwide series sponsored by ICTSI, leading with a 157 after an impressive round of 73.
In the boys’ 16-18 category, Aldrien Gialon edged out Nino Villacencio with a two-shot swing on the final hole, finishing with a 154 after a 78. Villacencio followed closely with a 79 for a 156, while Adrian Bisera fumbled with an 80 for a 159.
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