STA. ROSA, Laguna – Rico Depilo continued his inspiring run at the ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational, dominating 17th-seed Art Arbole, 6&4, to secure his spot in the quarterfinals of the P2 million championship on Wednesday.
Depilo, a 52-year-old veteran from Davao, displayed unwavering composure following his shocking win over top-seeded Tony Lascuña the previous day. He capitalized on early birdies at the par-5 second hole and the tight No. 4 of the TCC layout to build a comfortable lead that proved insurmountable.
“Naka-tsamba lang uli,” he said, playing down his giant-killing ways.
Upsets the order of the day
Despite his growing confidence, Depilo acknowledged the unpredictable nature of match play.
“Medyo tumaas ang kumpiyansa pero mahirap pa rin sabihin kung hanggang saan ito. Sa match play, patatagan na lang ng dibdib,” he added.
Depilo is one of five lower-seeded players who advanced through eight matches under the scorching heat. His next challenge will be 18-year-old Hyun Ho Rho, who edged out Eric Gallardo, 3&1.
Rho’s youthful exuberance and stellar form make him a formidable opponent as he aims for his first maiden win.
A former PGT Q-School topnotcher, Rho also emerged as the highest-ranked player remaining in the competition after the surprising eliminations of third-seeded Reymon Jaraula and No. 6 Jhonnel Ababa.
Japan’s Kakeru Ozeki eliminated Jaraula, 3&2, while Albin Engino ousted Ababa with a 3&1 win.
Ozeki and Engino are set for a thrilling quarters clash Thursday.
Multi-titled Jay Bayron (ranked 18th) cruised past Elee Bisera, 7&6, despite struggling to rediscover his vintage form.
“Sabi ko, masama palo nito (Bisera) kaya, kaya ko na ‘to,” he admitted, highlighting Bisera’s inconsistency following the latter’s shock win over No. 2 Angelo Que on the 19th hole Tuesday.
Bayron will take on 10th seed Michael Bibat, who defeated Guido van der Valk in a tight 1-up match.
Ranked No. 21, Dino Villanueva became the third and only higher-seeded player to advance, dominating No. 28 Nelson Huerva, 4&3, while No. 29 Arnold Villacencio pulled off a gritty win, edging out No. 13 Russel Bautista with a par on the 19th hole.
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