TRECE MARTIRES, Cavite – Precious Zaragosa secured the top spot in dominant fashion, gaining the confidence and momentum she needs as she heads into the highly-anticipated ICTSI Junior Match Play Championships.
Zaragosa closed out the Luzon Series 7 at Sherwood Hills Golf Club on Thursday with a 77, clinching the girls’ 13-15 division title with a 54-hole total of 234, and solidifying her top ranking in her age category after the seven-leg Luzon series.
In what began as a close contest with Kendra Garingalao in intermittent rains, Zaragosa pulled away in the last nine holes, turning the fierce duel into a convincing nine-stroke victory.
Winner of previous legs at Splendido Taal and Luisita, Zaragosa’s consistency paid off, vaulting past twin sisters Liza and Mona Sarines in the final rankings.
Only the best four scores counted, and the top four players in each age division – including the 8-9, 10-12, and 16-18 groups – advanced to the Match Play Finals, set for Oct. 1-4 at The Country Club in Laguna.
Levonne Talion, who did not compete this week along with the Sarines sisters, secured the last spot, while Alexie Gabi also advanced in the category through the multiple series format.
Looking ahead to the finals, 13-year-old Zaragosa stressed the importance of sharpening her short game as she prepares for the challenging TCC layout.
“I’ll be focusing on my short game for the finals,” said Zaragosa, after weathering a tough day-long battle with Garingalao.
“It was really challenging going up against Kendra, especially since this is her home course and she has a clear advantage on the greens,” she added. “I played it safe the entire round and concentrated on my putting, which made the difference.”
Zaragosa’s disciplined approach and focus on the finer aspects of her game reflect her determination to rise to the occasion in the upcoming championship.
Tied with Zaragosa after 36 holes, Garingalao was unable to match Zaragosa’s steady play. After both posted 42s at the front nine, Zaragosa closed strong with a 35, while Garingalao faltered with a 44, including a double bogey on the last hole.
Garingalao wound up with an 86, finishing second with a total of 243. Montserrat Lapuz placed third after an 87 for a 257.
While the girls’ title race ended in a dominant performance, the boys’ 13-15 division was decided in dramatic fashion. Mount Malarayat stage winner John Paul Agustin Jr. held on to sweep the final two legs of the series despite a late collapse, surviving Jose Carlos Taruc by just one stroke.
Agustin, who carded an 81, suffered a disastrous bogey-double bogey finish. Taruc, starting the final round five strokes behind, staged a thrilling rally, highlighted by an eagle-3 on No. 12.
