GEN. TRIAS, Cavite – Levonne Talion and Charles Serdenia delivered contrasting performances, fueling their ICTSI Junior PGT Championship campaigns by topping the 15-18 age category at Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club’s Norman course here on Thursday.
Talion battled back from eight strokes down to shock Rafa Anciano, pulling through on the second playoff hole with a par to snare the girls’ championship in the premier division of the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
Talion forced a sudden-death playoff with a clutch par on the 18th, closing with a 79 and a 252 total, after Anciano faltered with a costly three-putt for an 87.
Starting the day way behind under sweltering conditions, Talion narrowed the gap to half with a front-nine 39, as Anciano struggled to a 43, marred by a triple bogey on the ninth.
Anciano couldn’t halt her slide on the back nine, stumbling with double bogeys on Nos. 13 and 16. That opened the door for Talion, who pulled within one shot heading into the par-4 18th, ultimately drawing level after 54 holes.
Both players parred the first playoff hole (No. 18), but on their third return to the closing hole, Talion secured the victory with a routine par as Anciano mishit her approach shot, sending it under a tree. She was forced to play out and missed a long par-saving putt, allowing Talion to clinch the improbable win.
Meanwhile, Serdenia, initially locked in a tight battle with Shinichi Suzuki, turned the duel into a commanding win with a determined frontside surge, extending his overnight one-stroke lead to three at the turn. Despite a late birdie from Suzuki, Serdenia held firm with steady closing pars to secure a two-stroke victory after carding a 73 for a 54-hole total of 227.
Trailing by three with two holes remaining, Suzuki launched a last-ditch rally with a birdie on the 17th. However, Serdenia’s composure in the final stretch frustrated the Manila Southwoods mainstay, who settled for a 74 and a 229 finish.
Zach Villaroman posted a 75 to claim third place at 232.
Despite battling nerves, Talion showed remarkable grit and determination in regulation play, rallying from far behind to force a sudden-death playoff.
“I was so nervous since that was my first time in a playoff and I didn’t know how it felt,” admitted Talion, 15, from Letran-Calamba.
Despite the pressure, she stayed composed. “I tried to stay focused on my game and not on my opponent so I wouldn’t get too pressured.”
Her determination paid off. After struggling in the first two days, she credited her improved driving and short game for a stunning comeback, rallying from eight strokes down in regulation.
“I didn’t play very well early on,” said Talion, who hones her talent and skills at Ayala Greenfield and Riviera. “But I learned from my mistakes and made key improvements today (Thursday), especially with my driving and short game. I hit a lot of fairways and was able to capitalize on birdie and par chances.”
The victory was especially meaningful.
“This is one of the few tournaments I’ve played in the 15-18 division, and it’s really a great achievement for me to win,” she said,. “I’m proud that I did my best and was able to catch up from eight strokes down.”
Holding a slim one-shot lead after 36 holes, Serdenia capitalized on Suzuki’s early struggles, widening the gap to three with a front-nine 37 on a two-bogey, one-birdie card, as Suzuki stumbled with four bogeys against a lone birdie.
Opting for a conservative approach on the back nine, Serdenia focused on a par game, allowing Suzuki the opportunity to rally. But the charge came too late – and fell just short.
