LAUREL, Batangas – Ryuji Suzuki and Maurysse Abalos flashed impressive performances in the Junior Philippine Golf Tour Luzon Series, securing thrilling victories in the 8-10 age category with scores of 79 and 95, respectively, at the Splendido Taal Golf Club on Wednesday.
Despite blowing a six-shot lead, Suzuki maintained his composure during a tense frontside finish in the scorching conditions. Capitalizing on Jose Luis Espinosa’s costly bogey on No. 7, Suzuki clinched a one-stroke victory in the boys’ division with a seven-over card for a 36-hole total of 157.
Espinosa staged a strong comeback, narrowing the gap to four strokes and forcing a tie with Suzuki at 13-over with four holes left.
However, Suzuki regained the lead as Espinosa bogeyed No. 7 for the second straight day. By matching Espinosa’s pars on the final two holes, Suzuki secured the victory and, along with Abalos, earned the distinction of being the first champions of the JPGT series.
“It feels nice and it’s an honor to win in this tournament,” said the 10-year-old Suzuki.
Espinosa finished in second place with a 158 after bouncing back from an opening 84 with a 74, while Kevin Tecson claimed third with a 196 after a 96.
JPGT Series format
Each leg of the series awards ranking points, with the top four players in the boys’ and girls’ divisions after the seven-leg Luzon swing qualifying for the Splendido Taal Golf Club Match Play Championship at The Country Club in October.
The tournament, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., aims to promote the sport and unearth new talents through its nationwide circuit, including three legs in the Visayas and four in Mindanao.
In the girls’ division of the youngest age category, Abalos overcame a significant challenge, securing a four-stroke victory with a score of 95 and a total of 184, despite a shaky backside 51.
“I feel so great. It’s my first accomplishment for the year,” said the 9-year-old Abalos, a Saint Pedro Poveda student who has already claimed six championships in her young career.
Manhit stays top
Casedy Chime Cuenca finished second with a 90 for 188, while Teresa Tambunting took third with a 194 after a 101.
In the 11-14 age division, Race Manhit maintained his lead in the boys’ class with a 90 for 171, just one stroke ahead of Inigo Gallardo, who scored a second straight 86.
“The pin placements were challenging, and the greens were much faster,” said Manhit, 11, who remained determined to secure the win.
Aenzo Sulaik stayed in contention with a 175 despite a 91.
In the girls’ category, Precious Zaragosa led the field with an 81 for 155, seizing a two-shot lead over Lisa Sarines, who carded a 78. Mona Sarines dropped to third after an 84, following an earlier 74, for 158.
“My irons were a bit off, and I couldn’t make any regulation,” said Zaragosa. “But I hope to play better tomorrow.”
In the premier 72-hole, 15-18 category, Zachary Villaroman surged ahead with a 77 for 155, establishing a six-shot lead as first-round leader Charles Serdenia slipped to second with an 86 for 161. Alexander Crisostomo finished third with an 81 for 164.
Jiwon Lee dominated the girls’ centerpiece division, carding a 74 for 154, four strokes ahead of first-round leader Lia Duque, who struggled with an 82. Rafa Anciano remained in distant third place with a total of 171 after an 86.
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