By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Rupert Zaragosa emerged as the top performer in tough conditions during the second round of the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic men’s division despite a one-and-a-half-hour downpour that delayed the game on Wednesday, October 23.
Starting from No. 10, Zaragosa braved swirling winds in the morning and a heavy downpour midway through his round, exhibiting mastery over the conditions by hitting birdies on Nos. 10, 14 and 17, and coming through with a brilliant par-save on the long par-5 18th.
Despite dropping two strokes on the par-3 13th due to a misjudged gust, Zaragosa swiftly recovered with back-to-back birdies from No. 2 before play was halted due to rain.
His near-flawless performance left him with a four-stroke clubhouse lead over a quartet of pursuers, including Tony Lascuña, Russell Bautista, Francis Morilla, and first-round leader Michael Bibat, who all posted one-under aggregate scores.
“It was tough, but my game was fairly solid,” said Zaragosa, who had to withdraw from the final round of last week’s event in Binitin due to a persistently stiff neck.
“I’ll stick to my game plan and play smart,” he added.
On the distaff side, Sarah Ababa moved within striking distance of claiming her third leg victory of the season after rough weather conditions forced the suspension of the second round on Wednesday.
Organizers have decided to reduce the P1 million championship to 36 holes after heavy rains rendered the course unplayable at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Bacolod City.
Ababa, who opened the season-ending tournament of the Ladies Philippine Golf Tour with a stunning 68 and a three-stroke lead over Daniella Uy, maintained her cushion as play was halted midway through the round.
Despite the rain disruption, Ababa parred the first three holes.
With the cancellation of the third round, the championship will now be decided over 36 holes, with Ababa aiming to finish strong in her final 15 holes.
“It was tough. The weather was really challenging with three stops during the round, so it really breaks your rhythm,” Ababa said.
“But I’ll just enjoy the game since it’s the last day and the final tournament of the season,” she added./ASC, WDJ