LAUREL, Batangas – The race for supremacy in the 11-14 division of the ICTSI Splendido Taal Junior PGT Championship turned into a thrilling showdown, as early Luzon series winners clashed in a high-stakes battle for top honors in blustery conditions here on Monday.
Ryuji Suzuki weathered two late bogeys but held his nerve to card a 77 at the up-and-down Splendido Taal Golf Club, seizing a slender one-shot lead over Vito Sarines in a gripping display of young golfing talent.
Suzuki, who dominated at Eagle Ridge where Sarines finished tied for third, seemed on track to build a commanding lead in the 36-hole tournament after shooting two birdies against two bogeys with three holes left coming in.
However, bogeys on the seventh and ninth holes forced him to settle for a 37-40 round, keeping Sarines – who beat Suzuki by five shots at Sherwood Hills – well within striking distance after posting a 78, highlighted by two birdies on the back nine.
Jacob Casuga, who stayed close to the frontrunners early on, faltered with a frontside 42 for an 84, dropping seven shots behind Suzuki. Meanwhile, Matthias Espina and Ryuichi Tao turned in matching 86s, and Robert Coyiuto scored a 92.
Suzuki lamented his struggles on the greens, citing costly errors.
“I could’ve played better if not for two four-putts,” said Suzuki, who remains well-positioned for another leg win.
“Anything can happen here, but I hope to hit a lot of fairways tomorrow (Tuesday). Because if you don’t, most likely you’ll end up with a bogey,” he added.
The battle for the girls’ plum in the same age group also came down to a shootout, as twin sisters Lisa and Mona Sarines turned in identical 78s with matching 38-40 nines to lead Alexie Gabi by five strokes.
Lisa, who swept the first two legs at Eagle Ridge and Sherwood Hills, had to birdie the final hole (No. 9) to catch Mona, who is determined to end her sister’s early domination of the seven-stage series that stakes ranking points for spots in the North vs South finals.
“My game wasn’t great today (Monday) – I struggled to get my drives on the fairways,” rued Lisa, who carded five bogeys and two double bogeys against three birdies. “I made some birdies, but I just couldn’t really get my game going.”
Looking ahead to the final round, Lisa added: “I need to hit it straight, keep my shots on the fairways, and go for the greens. My goal is to score better than 78, maybe around 3-over or better.”
Mona, meanwhile, admitted she also had her share of struggles. “My game wasn’t really good either. I didn’t have any birdies, but at least I avoided double bogeys. I know I can do better,” she said.
