LAPU-LAPU City – Mindanao’s rising stars stamped their class early, overpowering their Visayas rivals in the boys’ division, while Cebu’s homegrown bets seized control of the girls’ side at the ICTSI Mactan Island Junior PGT Championship on Wednesday.
Alexis Nailga turned in a commanding performance in sweltering heat and tricky greens, firing a two-under par 66 to storm to a massive 10-shot lead in the boys’ 15-18 division at the par-68 Mactan Island Golf Club.
The Bukidnon standout birdied six holes to offset a double bogey and two bogeys, showcasing the form that made him a dominant force in last year’s regional series of the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
“I had trouble on the bunkers and greens, so I need to steady my driving and sharpen my recovery shots,” said the 16-year-old, who capped his round with three straight birdies from No. 14.
Ritchie Go struggled with a 76, while Sebastian Sajuela settled for a 78 to trail Nailga heading into the final two rounds of the 54-hole tournament.
In the boys’ 11-14 category, Ralph Batican battled through a shaky start but recovered late to card a 74 and grab a one-stroke lead over Ken Guillermo, who shot a 75 highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 No. 15.
Mico Woo stayed within striking distance with a 77 as the division heads into its final round.
In the 7-10 division, Ethan Lago carded a 75 to lead Lucas Revilleza (77), while Darren Ong fell 12 shots back after an 87.
Revilleza, however, stayed within range with a closing birdie, setting up a tight duel in the final round.
In the girls’ division, Cebu’s Tash Balangauan took firm control of the 15-18 division with a 79, opening an imposing 12-shot lead over Lois Lane Go and Apple Gotiong, who matched 91s.
“It was a tough round, but I stayed composed and learned from my mistakes,” said Balangauan. “I’ll aim to come back stronger in the next round.”
Marqaela Dy seized the spotlight in the girls’ 11-14 class with a 71 for a three-shot lead over Zuri Bagaloyos and Eliana Dumalaog, who carded identical 74s, while Skye Yocte edged closer to a breakthrough title in the JPGT, carding a 77 to seize a four-stroke lead over Vanya Go and Zoey Mascariñas, who shot 81s, in the 7-10 division.
She highlighted her impressive 43-34 round with birdies on Nos. 6, 12 and 14.
In Lipa City, Shinichi Suzuki capped a dominant run in the JPGT Luzon Series with a closing 69, crushing the field by 21 strokes to boost his bid for a Grand Finals berth.
The St. Francis of Assisi College standout finished at five-under 211 in the boys’ 15-18 division, routing Tristan Padilla and Patrick Tambalque, who faltered with 76 and 78, respectively, to share distant runner-up honors at 232.
Starting the final round with a 10-shot cushion, Suzuki never relented – birdieing four of his first 15 holes and brushing off a double bogey on the 17th with a birdie on the last.
Lisa Sarines, on the other hand, put sibling rivalry aside to dominate the girls’ division, turning a close duel with twin Mona into a four-shot victory. A strong backside 36 lifted Lisa to a 74 and a 54-hole total of 229.
Mona briefly closed within one after a frontside 37, but three bogeys in the last nine holes allowed Lisa to pull away. Mona finished second at 233 after a 76, while Kendra Garingalao placed third with a 258.
Get more of the latest sports news & updates on SPIN.ph
NOTICE ON UNAUTHORIZED AND UNLAWFUL USE, PUBLICATION, AND/OR DISSEMINATION OF SPIN.PH CONTENT: Please be notified that any unauthorized and unlawful use, publication, and/or dissemination of Spin.ph’s content and/or materials is a direct violation of its legal and exclusive rights to the same, and shall be subject to appropriate legal action/s.
