John Paul Agustin Jr wins boys’ 13-15 crown at JPGT Malarayat
The winners of the ICTSI JPGT Series 6–led by John Paul Agustin Jr–at Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club. –HANDOUT PHOTO
John Paul Agustin Jr. finally savored victory after three near-misses as he captured the boys’ 13-15 crown in the ICTSI Junior PGT Series 6 at Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club Wednesday.
The field, including participants in the 16-18 division, faced another grueling day as they navigated unpredictable weather conditions on the Mt. Lobo and Mt. Malipunyo courses.
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Battling gusty winds, rain and fleeting sunshine, the young golfers vied for top honors and crucial ranking points for the upcoming Match Play Championship.
READ: JPGT players brace for Mt Malarayat challenge
Agustin staged a stunning comeback from three strokes down with nine holes to play, delivering a steady performance on the challenging Mt. Malipunyo nine, carding a gritty 37 and a 76 for a 155 overall.
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Meanwhile, erstwhile leader John Majgen Gomez faltered under pressure, finishing with a disappointing back nine 44 and an 83.
“I knew I had a shot right from the start, being only three strokes behind the leader,” said Agustin after topping tournament, which was reduced to 36 holes after adverse weather led to the cancellation of Monday’s first round.
“I felt good about my game, especially after hitting well on the range before the final round. My chipping and putting had improved, so I went in with confidence,” added Agustin, who carded a 79 in the first round.
READ: Duque, Kobayashi break through at JPGT Luisita
Pre-tournament favorite Jose Carlos Taruc, who had secured victories at Riviera and Luisita, meanwhile, settled for third place with an 80, finishing with a 165 total.
Agustin’s victory bolstered his bid for a finals spot with just one tournament remaining in the seven-stage Luzon series, which culminates in the Match Play Championship scheduled for Oct. 1-4 at The Country Club in Laguna. The top four players in each age division, based on their best four performances, will qualify for the national finals.
Korean standout Yunju An in action at the ICTSI JPGT Series 6. –HANDOUT PHOTO
In the girls’ 13-15 division, Korean standout Yunju An triumphed over top local contenders Mona Sarines, her twin sister Lisa, Kendra Garingalao, and Levonne Talion, with a final score of 151 despite shooting a 78.
“I didn’t play well, my shots were off due to the windy conditions, which led to a lot of bogeys,” said An through an interpreter. She expressed gratitude to her parents, grandmother and coach for their unwavering support.
In the premier 16-18 category, as Luisita leg winner Lia Duque continued her dominant form, pulling away with a score of 151 despite a 78 heading into the final 18 holes.
READ: Cliff Nuñeza, Ally Gaccion rule JPGT Del Monte
“The wind affected my game today, it was tougher than yesterday. I struggled with hitting greens in regulation during the last nine holes,” said Duque. “I’ll focus on improving my short game to secure more pars and reduce bogeys.
In the boys’ 16-18 division, Patrick Tambalque fired a 74, extending his overnight two-shot lead to an imposing eight-stroke cushion with a total of 146.
“I struggled with my putting today and missed several birdie opportunities, unlike in the first round,” said Tambalque, who is aiming for the lone finals spot in his division through the multi-series campaign.
