By Jean Malanum
MANILA – Ethan Lago and Denise Mendoza started strong in the 7-10 age category at the start of the Negros Occidental Junior PGT Championship in Bacolod City on Monday.
The eight-year-old Lago from Ateneo de Davao registered an even-par 70, highlighted by three birdies and three bogeys, to take a commanding nine-shot lead over province mate Lucas Revilleza (79) in the boys’ division, according to a news release.
“I sank some very long putts. I’m aiming to shoot even par and just keep playing my game,” Lago, the Mactan leg champion, said after the match.
Cagayan de Oro’s James Rolida carded an 83, followed by Shaqeeq Tanog (87), Cebu’s Darren Ong (95) and Tobias Tiongko (96).
In the girls’ division, 10-year-old Mendoza fired a 72 to post a 16-stroke lead over Bacolod’s Ana Marie Aguilar (88), while Talisay’s Faith Reosura placed third after a 90.
“My game was okay, but I hit some bad shots. I really need to work on my putting. I missed a lot of makeable putts during the first 18 holes,” Mendoza said.
Mendoza, currently tied for third in the season rankings with Francesca Geroy, is eyeing a third Junior PGT title.
Only the top four players in each age division will advance to the Ryder Cup-style finals on Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 at The Country Club in Laguna.
Meanwhile, siblings Rafella and Ralph Batican of Bukidnon delivered contrasting rounds in the 11-14 category.
Ralph fired a one-under 69 with five birdies against a double bogey and two bogeys to post a 19-shot lead over Bacolod’s Isaac Locsin (88), with Cebu’s Miguel Mesina (91), Bacolod’s Rafael Alvarez (93), and JM Sabroso (98) rounding out the leaderboard.
“I just need to stay focused, visualize my shots, and make solid putts,” 12-year-old Ralph Batican said.
His younger sister, Rafella, shot a 73 to grab the lead in the girls’ side.
Cebu’s Zuri Bagaloyos trailed by three after a 76, with Andrea Borromeo (80) and Bacolod’s Chelsea Ogborne (80) are farther behind.
“Just stay positive and don’t let bad shots affect your mindset,” Rafella Batican, an 11-year-old Montessori student, said.
In the boys’ 15-18 division, hometown bet John Paul Oro carded an even-par 70 to take a five-shot lead over grand finalist and Bukidnon ace Alexis Nailga (75).
“My putting really clicked — I got into a rhythm, especially with several recoveries and three par saves. There’s a lot of pressure because the other players are really strong. My plan is to stick to fairways and greens, then just two-putt in the next two days,” Oro said.
Bacolod’s Azie Acuña IV, Zamboanga’s Mhark Fernando III and John Rey Oro shared third with 76s in the 54-hole event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
In the girls’ division, Tashanah Balangauan of Davao fired a 73, three shots clear of Precious Zaragosa (76).
Bacolod’s Breanna Rojas (95), Francine Jalandoni (108), and Amelia Valderrame (116) rounded out the division.
“It’s a challenging course — much longer than what I’m used to. Staying in the fairway and being accurate are key,” the 16-year-old Balangauan said. (PNA)
