By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Rupert Zaragosa leaned on his precision iron play and steady putting to capture the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic title, finishing with a 14-under 266 for a two-shot victory over Keanu Jahns, Aidric Chan and Clyde Mondilla at Marapara Golf and Country Club.
Zaragosa, who closed with a four-under 66, pocketed P354,000 and validated his weather-shortened win in the same event last year by proving he could sustain top form through a full 72-hole grind.
“This one is more memorable — first, it was a four-day tournament, and it was the first time my mom and my sister Precious were there to witness me win On Tour,” said Zaragosa in Filipino, comparing the feat to his previous victory.
He set the tone early with a 12-foot birdie on the opening hole.
Though his rivals launched occasional charges, he kept them at bay with accurate approaches and birdies on crucial holes, including the par-3 16th.
“I don’t know why, but I felt the most pressure when I stepped onto the 18th tee,” he admitted after nearly faltering with a closing bogey.
“I really wanted this win as I try to build confidence heading into my campaign in Japan next month,” he added.
Despite being outhit by longer hitters, Zaragosa said he never wavered from his approach.
“I didn’t really mind it. I knew they had the advantage with their power, but I just stuck to my game plan,” he said.
Mondilla tied for second at 268 after a 66 highlighted by an eagle on the par-4 14th.
Jahns and Chan also wound up at 268, the former closing with a 67 and the latter with a bogey-free 66. Each took home P155,333.
Russell Bautista placed solo fifth at 272, while Collin Wheeler shot a 65 to share sixth with Nilo Salahog (66) and Angelo Que (67) at 273.
Zanieboy Gialon, Fidel Concepcion and Sean Ramos tied for ninth at 274.
“The layout of the course really suits my game. Most of my second shots were just wedges,” Zaragosa noted, underscoring how Marapara’s design played into his strengths.
His victory also snapped Jahns’ momentum following back-to-back wins in Caliraya Springs and Binitin, while Que, Bautista and other contenders fell short despite strong stretches.
More than defending his title, Zaragosa’s triumph showed his composure and maturity against a field of heavy-hitters.
By neutralizing power with precision, he proved once again that accuracy and poise can prevail in today’s power-driven game./ASC, WDJ