BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Ronee Dungca moved a step nearer to finishing a stirring run from the backdoor to the principle stage of the ICTSI Junior PGT Luzon Collection, carding a three-over-par 72 to take a commanding lead after 18 holes of the ladies’ 7-10 division within the John Hay JPGT Championship right here Tuesday.
Taking part in below overcast skies and a cool breeze that added one other layer of problem to the already tough par-69 format, Dungca rode the momentum of her back-to-back victories at Riviera and Pradera Verde to solidify her late cost for one in all 4 berths to the Elite Junior Finals.
The rising star from Angeles Metropolis got here out firing, birdieing the primary three holes, however struggled to take care of rhythm on the tight, hazard-laden course. She closed with a 34-38 spherical, highlighted by 4 extra birdies, offset by three bogeys, two double bogeys, and a triple-bogey on the par-3 No. 4, which blunted her torrid begin within the 36-hole event.
“The course is hard, so I needed to keep targeted to maintain making birdies,” mentioned Dungca, 9, enjoying the difficult up-and-down format for the primary time.
She admitted to dropping her confidence after a couple of early errors. “However I began getting it again and made a very good restoration,” she mentioned.
Now simply 18 holes away from a 3rd straight win and a coveted spot within the finals, Dungca added, “I nonetheless must work on my placing, however I’m feeling just a little extra assured.”
Nonetheless, her 72 was greater than sufficient to grab management of the 36-hole occasion, constructing an enormous eight-shot cushion over Tyra Garingalao (80), with Amiya Tablac (83) in third and Venus delos Santos at fourth with 92.
Lacking the primary 4 legs of the seven-stage Luzon swing had seemingly dominated Dungca out of the finals dialog. However a resurgence at Riviera and Pradera Verde, each of which she gained, thrust her proper again into competition. Now holding 30 factors, she stands tied for fifth with Penelope Sy within the standings — and one other win right here would give her 45 factors, sufficient to probably match present chief Mavis Espedido.
With solely the highest three scores of every participant within the collection counted for qualification, the ultimate spherical looms massive for a number of contenders. A win earns 15 factors, adopted by 12, 10 and eight factors for the subsequent prime finishers. Winter Serapio (37 pts), delos Santos (34) and Garingalao (32) stay very a lot within the race, making Wednesday’s remaining spherical a decisive showdown.
Zoji Edoc additionally stayed on monitor for a 3rd straight title, taking pictures a two-over 71 to take a three-shot lead over native wager Marco Angheng (74) within the boys’ youngest division. QC’s Michael Matias shot an 82 for joint third with Samuel Ababa, whereas Jethro Bayron skied to a 99.
“I used to be hitting strong photographs with my driver and irons,” mentioned Edoc, who carded three birdies towards 5 bogeys.
Edoc, already certified for the nationwide finals with 45 factors together with three-leg winner Zach Guico, is utilizing the occasion to additional polish his sport forward of the North vs South Elite Junior Finals, set October 7-10 at The Nation Membership in Laguna.
Vito Sarines set the tempo within the boys’ 11-14 division with a 68, shifting nearer to tying Ryuji Suzuki atop the rankings with 42 factors ought to he prevail.
Zianbeau Edoc, like his brother, is chasing a sweep of the ultimate three legs, matching par 69 for solo second, whereas Race Manhit shot a 73 for third.
With third-running Jacob Casuga absent this week, No. 4 Manhit and the fifth-running Edoc are well-positioned to grab the final two finals slots with sturdy finishes.
The women’ 11-14 division remained below the agency management of the Sarines twins.
Mona Sarines fired a 67 to take a two-shot lead over Lisa Sarines, who stumbled with a late double bogey on No. 7 to slide to second with a 69.
Marqaela Dy stood at distant third with an 80, whereas Kendra Garingalao shot an 81, and Kelsey Bernardino and Baguio’s Zoey Laranang posted equivalent 82s. Alexie Gabi, nevertheless, hobbled with an 85.
With Lisa and Mona locked in at 45 factors and already certified, the race for the final two spots stays tight. Garingalao (32 pts) and Gabi (26 pts) are at present in place, however the remaining spherical stays crucial for a number of contenders.
Rafa Anciano, assured of a finals slot with 45 factors, stayed targeted on growth, placing in a 77 to take a four-stroke lead over Tiffany Bernardino (81). Chloe Rada and Mharisse Datuin posted 85 and 97, respectively.
Bernardino and Rada, together with absent No. 2 Levonne Talion, have additionally booked their spots for the Laguna finals, leaving no remaining slots up for grabs within the division.
Anciano, winner of three legs who missed the final two tournaments attributable to college commitments, expressed her pleasure about returning to the tour.
“It’s good to be again – I actually missed the JPGT,” she mentioned. “I’m additionally excited to be enjoying at John Hay for the primary time. It’s a pleasant course. I just like the greens, however they’re robust.”
Alonso Espartero and Jose Carlos Taruc matched 76s to share the lead within the boys’ premier class, with Andres Fabie carding a 77 for third, Rafael Mañaol posting a 78 for fourth, and Nathan Belandres taking pictures an 80.
With No. 4 Kristoffer Nadales absent, Taruc, at present fifth within the standings, is about to clinch the ultimate spot for the Elite Junior Finals, becoming a member of Patrick Tambalque (45 pts), Shinichi Suzuki (39) and Zachary Villaroman (37).
“I didn’t anticipate to share the lead, however these days I’ve had a whole transformation in how I feel,” mentioned 17-year-old Espartero, who’s out of the finals race however stays firmly in competition for a leg victory within the occasion organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. “I’ve been pissed off with how I’ve been enjoying in previous tournaments, however now I’m enjoying for God, and I thank Him for serving to me play nicely at the moment.”
Espartero additionally discovered the John Hay greens an actual take a look at. “You actually have to ensure your putts roll straight,” he famous.
Taruc, 15, credited his composure for a gradual opening spherical.
“Each time I hit a nasty shot, I simply pray, so I’m pleased with my angle,” he mentioned. “The course is nice,” he added, whereas admitting he wasn’t capable of absolutely execute his sport plan — one thing he hopes to enhance in Spherical 2 of the 54-hole occasion.
