LIPA City – Lisa Sarines appeared on track to build a commanding lead in the premier girls’ 15-18 division, but a late misstep turned the tournament into a gripping sibling duel.
The rising standout struggled down the stretch, limping home with a 79 after a costly closing run. What once was a sizable lead was reduced to a two shots in the ICTSI Mount Malarayat Junior PGT Championship on Monday.
Fresh off a dominant run in the 11-14 category last year, Sarines appeared firmly in control, standing on the par-4 16th with a comfortable five-shot cushion over twin sister Mona Sarines. But the momentum suddenly shifted.
Mona Sarines closes in
She stumbled with a double bogey on No. 16, then dropped two more shots on the next hole as the heat, gusty winds and increasingly firm greens took their toll. The late collapse resulted in a shaky 36-43 card.
Sensing an opportunity, Mona closed with a par-bogey-par finish for an 81 to keep the pressure on heading into the next round of the 54-hole tournament, which kicks off the Luzon series of the Junior Philippine Golf Tour.
“It was a decent round, but 7-over isn’t the score I wanted,” said Lisa. “I missed a lot of opportunities and wasn’t hitting the ball well.”
Meanwhile, Alexie Gabi struggled to an 86, Kendra Garingalao carded an 89, and Rafa Anciano fell back with a 90, effectively narrowing the title race to a two-player showdown.
In the boys’ 11-14 division, Chan Ahn shot a 78 to lead by one over Jacob Casuga and Ryuji Suzuki while a tightly packed group followed, including Race Manhit (81), Ryuichi Tao (82), Vito Sarines (83), and Miguel Orbita (85), setting up a tense final round in the 36-hole tournament.
Maurysse Abalos also grabbed a slim lead in the girls’ 11-14 category with a 79, edging Aerin Chan (80), with Quincy Pilac staying within striking distance with an 81 and Avery Sytengco and Mavis Espedido posting 82 and 84, respectively.
Winter Serapio dominated the girls’ 7-10 class with a 77 to build a six-shot cushion over Marie Claire Mendoza and Laura Pablo, who matched 83s.
In the boys' youngest division, Kenzo Tan endured a wobbly backside 44 to take command with an 80, one stroke ahead of Lauro Delen, who birdied the 18th to impress in his JPGT debut with an 81, while Alexian Ching shot an 84 for third in the boys’ 7-10 class.
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