NEGROS OCCIDENTAL – Rupert Zaragosa once again proved that pinpoint iron game and a deft putting touch can overcome sheer distance, winning the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic on Friday – this time in full, across 72 holes.
Zaragosa posted a final-round 66 to close out the tournament at 14-under 266, securing a two-shot triumph over long-hitters Keanu Jahns, Aidric Chan and Clyde Mondilla. It was a performance that not only validated his weather-shortened win here last year but underscored his versatility, maturity and ability to thrive under pressure against three of the tour's big-hitters.
“This one is more memorable – first, it was a four-day tournament, and it was the first time my mom and my sister Precious were there to witness me win on Tour,” said Zaragosa in Filipino. while comparing this win to his weather-shortened victory last year.
Zaragosa pockets P354,000
Zaragosa, who pocketed the top purse of P354,000, immediately set the tone on Friday with a crisp 12-foot birdie putt on the opening hole – one that Chan matched, but Jahns failed to convert from closer range. While both challengers mounted occasional surges, they couldn’t shake off Zaragosa, who consistently neutralized their power with clinical iron shots that left him within makable birdie range.
Even a bogey on the 18th couldn’t derail his title run as Zaragosa strode up the par-5 final hole with a commanding three-shot lead – secured by an insurance birdie on the par-3 16th.
He admitted feeling the nerves even with a three-shot lead heading to the final hole.
“I don’t know why, but I felt the most pressure when I stepped onto the 18th tee.”
When asked what the win meant to him, Zaragosa said: “I really wanted this win as I try to build confidence heading into my campaign in Japan next month.”
Despite being outhit and outdriven by his rivals, he stayed focused on his own strategy.
“I didn’t really mind it. I knew they had the advantage with their power, but I just stuck to my game plan,” said Zaragosa, emphasizing that the key was having the will to win and the confidence to execute.
His victory also punctured Jahns’ growing momentum, which had been fueled by consecutive four-shot wins at Caliraya Springs and Binitin.
Jahns stumbled with a costly bogey on the 13th. He rebounded with a birdie on the 15th and closed with a 67, tying Chan, who shot a bogey-free 66, at 268.
In the group ahead, Mondilla pitched in an eagle on the par-4 14th and capped his round with a birdie on the 18th for a 66, joining Jahns and Chan in second place. Each earned ₱155,333.
Russell Bautista carded a 68 to finish solo fifth at 272, while Collin Wheeler rallied with a 65 to tie Nilo Salahog and Angelo Que, who carded 66 and 67, respectively, at 273.
Zanieboy Gialon also fired a 66 to earn a share of ninth place at 274 with Fidel Concepcion and Sean Ramos, who closed out with 67 and 69, respectively.
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