MURCIA, Negros Occidental – Reymon Jaraula delivered a virtuoso performance on moving day in the ICTSI Bacolod Golf Challenge on Thursday, turning an anticipated battle royale into a showcase of his skill, resilience and mental fortitude.
His flawless execution over 18 holes, including a pair of three-birdie streaks on both nines of the Bacolod Golf and Country Club, catapulted him to a commanding three-shot lead over Jhonnel Ababa at 14-under 196.
Jaraula’s 63 was nothing short of brilliant, as he separated himself from a field stacked with seasoned players and rising stars who struggled to maintain their early momentum in the short but tricky par-70 layout.
“Everything clicked – driving, irons, even putting,” said Jaraula in Filipino.
Ababa chases Jaraula
Ababa, hoping to redeem himself after a disappointing final round in Iloilo last week, mounted a respectable fightback with a 66, including a birdie on the closing par-3 hole, to grab solo second at 199, while Hyun Ho Rho fired a 67 for third at 200.
But Jaraula’s brilliance was simply unmatched, leaving the rest of the field playing catch-up entering the final 18 holes of the P2.5 million championship presented by Negros Electric and Power Corp. and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
As erstwhile joint leaders Angelo Que, Aidric Chan and Rico Depilo struggled in the back nine, Jaraula highlighted his spectacular 32-31 round with a chip-in birdie on the par-4 No. 11, a moment of brilliance that punctuated his bogey-free card.
His tenacity was also evident on the par-3 10th, where he scrambled to save par with a clutch six-foot putt.
“Just stay focused, and if it’s meant for me, then great,” said the 32-year old Jaraula, who roared to a five-stroke romp at Valley in 2023, a reminder of his ability to handle pressure and finish strong.
Depilo, who had shared the lead with Que and Chan after 36 holes, wound up with a 73 after a solid 64 and fell to joint 13th at 205 with Randy Garalde, who fired a 68.
Que finished with a 69 and dropped to joint fourth at 201 with Michael Bibat (64), Ozeki Kakeru (67) and Kim Tae Soo (68), while Tony Lascuña and Fidel Concepcion matched 203s after 67 and 69, respectively.
Chan shot a 72 and fell to joint 10th at 204 with Clyde Mondilla and Keanu Jahns, who carded 66 and 70, respectively.
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