LUBAO, Pampanga – Jiwon Lee goes for her second straight victory in the ICTSI Junior PGT Luzon Series 2 which gets going on Tuesday (May 28) at the Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club course.
Although Lee missed her target of a 15-over total in her 13-stroke victory in the series’ kickoff leg at Splendido Taal, she believes she gained valuable experience and is determined to deliver a stronger performance this week.
“I’m a bit nervous but super excited to play. I think my excitement comes from the confidence I’ve built over the past few weeks,” said Lee, whose 17-over 305 total, beat Lia Du by 13 strokes.
Lee faces still competition
“I want to play better than my last JPGT event, as I’m more aware of my weaknesses now. I’ll try to improve and score as low as possible,” she added.
Challenging Lee in the girls’ 15-18 field are Reese Ng, Duque, Maria Monserrat Lapuz, Rafa Anciano and Angelica Bañez.
Ng brings vast international experience, having triumphed in the American Junior Golf Association and recently capturing the Asian Junior Masters in Thailand.
The 72-hole event is organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. and supported by PGTI official apparel Kampfortis Golf.
A tight finish is also expected in the boys’ 15-18 division with Shinichi Suzuki joining for the first time. He will compete alongside Tristan Padilla, Santino Pineda, Gabriel Handog and Von Tablac. Splendido Taal leg winner Charles Serdenia and runner-up Zach Villaroman will miss the event.
In the boys’ 8-10 division set over 36 holes, champion Ryuji Suzuki is the favoriteI
“I haven’t played Pradera yet, but I’m confident I can win this week,” said Suzuki, who will be challenged by Vince Tablac, Theodore Rios, Zoji Edoc, Jose Luis Espinosa, Monte Andaman and Michael Ray Hortel II.
”I’ll enjoy the game without any expectations, though the first round will be a challenge since I haven’t had a practice round,” added Suzuki.
Girls’ 11-14 titlist Precious Zaragosa, for her part, has tempered expectations of a repeat due to a recent illness that limited her training and practice.
“I don’t have much confidence because I didn’t practice much while recovering,” said Zaragosa. “But I’ll do my best. Pradera Verde is a great course. It’s flat but challenging due to the bunkers and greens,” added Zaragosa.
Twins Mona and Lisa Sarines, along with Levonne Talion, Ayesha Salino, Beatriz Lapuz and Althea Bañez are expected to be in the mix.
Vito Sarines, meanwhile, aims for back-to-back titles in the boys' 11-14 competition spread over 54 holes, following a thrilling comeback at Splendido. His chief challengers are Race Manhit, Matthias Espina, Roman Ungco, Aenzo Sulaik, Jose Jacob Gomez and Gerard Handog.
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