By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Filipino-German golfer Keanu Jahns will attempt to extend his winning streak to three as the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic unfolds at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, also known as Marapara.

Jahns has been the player to beat in the Philippine Golf Tour, coming off back-to-back four-stroke victories that established him as the tour’s hottest player.

Despite his confidence, the 29-year-old acknowledged the challenge posed by the tight par-70 Marapara layout.

“With the way I’m playing, I’m very confident with my game,” Jahns said.

“I hope I could do it again.”

Angelo Que, the runner-up in Jahns’ last two victories, headlines the list of challengers seeking to halt his momentum.

Also in the hunt are Fidel Concepcion, Tony Lascuña, Dutchman Guido van der Valk, and Korean campaigners Tae Won Ha and Tae Soo Kim.

A number of young Filipinos, including Aidric Chan, Russell Bautista, Carl Corpus, and John Michael Uy, are also looking to make an impact.

Justin Quiban, returning from stints in the Asian Tour and Asian Development Tour, is expected to be a strong contender.

Other names to watch include defending champion Rupert Zaragosa, who won last year’s edition by six shots, and Ira Alido, who triumphed at Marapara in 2023 with a clutch birdie on the final hole.

Seasoned players like Clyde Mondilla, Sean Ramos, Michael Bibat, Zanieboy Gialon, Dino Villanueva, and Collin Wheeler are likewise in the field.

The event is the latest stop of a season that has seen Que take the first two legs before Jahns seized control with emphatic wins at Caliraya Springs and Binitin.

A third straight victory would cement Jahns’ status as the tour’s dominant force and mark another milestone in his career./ASC, WDJ