STA. ROSA, Laguna – While the boys’ semifinals of the ICTSI Junior PGT National Match Play Finals were largely defined by dominant performances – with six out of eight matches ending in lopsided victories at The Country Club here on Friday, it was the intense duels in the girls’ 13-15 category that stole the spotlight during the morning session.
Mona Sarines seized an opportunity when Zero Plete’s approach shot on the first playoff hole (No. 1) found the water hazard, allowing Sarines to clinch her spot in the finals.
Top-seeded Precious Zaragosa dashed the hopes of an all-Sarines championship showdown by defeating Lisa Sarines in a nail-biting sudden-death playoff, following a pair all-square finishes after 18 holes in their semis clashes.
Meantime, Brittany Tamayo continued her strong run, defeating Maurysse Abalos, 4&3, to reach the 10-12 finals against Aerin Chan, who narrowly beat last year’s 9-10 stroke play winner Quincy Pilac 2&1.
Tamayo is hoping to become the first golfer from Tupi, South Cotabato to win a major title.
But the niece of South Cotabato Gov. Reynaldo S. Tamayo needs to play extra hard and smart to beat Chan.
Earlier, Kvan Alburo, the top seed in the boys’ 8-9 age group, demonstrated why he holds the top spot, routing Jesus Yambao, 7&6, to book a finals clash with second seed Michael Ray Hortel II, who had to overcome a shaky start before rallying for a 2&1 victory over Shaqeeq Tanog.
No. 2 seed Ralph Batican also asserted early dominance in his match, cruising to a 7&6 triumph over Javie Bautista, sealing a clash with No. 4 Vito Sarines for the 10-12 title after the latter pulled away late in a tight match against top seed Race Manhit, securing a 4&3 win with stellar play on the back nine.
In the 13-15 division, Jose Carlos Taruc and Clement Ordeneza set up a championship showdown with emphatic victories. Taruc ended Inno Flores’ surprising run with an 8&7 rout, while Ordeneza overpowered Armand Copok 5&4.
In the 16-18 division, Zachary Villaroman upset No. 2 Aldrien Gialon with a 5&4 win to advance to the finals against No. 1 Mark Kobayashi, who maintained his composed play, edging past last year’s stroke play champion Patrick Tambalque, 4&2.
Meanwhile, save for the 13-15 class, the girls’ semis offered a mix of close matches and decisive wins. Denise Mendoza emerged victorious in the 8-9 group with a 7&5 win over Francesca Geroy, arranging a top clash with top seed Winter Serapio, who overcame Tyra Garingalao 3&1.
