By ADRIAN STEWART CO
Ethan Lago and Denise Mendoza stamped their class in the opening round of the ICTSI Negros Occidental Junior PGT Championship, building commanding leads in the 7-10 age division at the Marapara Golf and Country Club in Bacolod City.
Lago, the Mactan leg champion, fired an even-par 70 highlighted by three birdies to seize a nine-shot advantage over fellow Davaoeño Lucas Revilleza (79) on the boys’ side.
The eight-year-old Ateneo de Davao standout credited his putting for the strong start.
“I sank some very long putts,” Lago said. “I’m aiming to shoot even par and just keep playing my game.”
Cagayan de Oro’s James Rolida turned in an 83, while Shaqeeq Tanog (87), Cebu’s Darren Ong (95) and Tobias Tiongko (96) fell behind early.
In the girls’ 7-10, Mendoza overcame an erratic start to card a 72 and grab a 16-stroke lead over Bacolod’s Ana Marie Aguilar (88).
Talisay’s Faith Reosura stood third after a 90.
“My game was okay, but I hit some bad shots,” said Mendoza, a 10-year-old from Cebu Learning Center.
“I really need to work on my putting. I missed a lot of makeable putts during the first 18 holes,” she added.
In the 11-14 bracket, Bukidnon’s Ralph Batican delivered the day’s best round with a one-under 69, opening a 19-shot cushion over Bacolod’s Isaac Locsin (88).
Cebu’s Miguel Mesina (91), Rafael Alvarez (93) and JM Sabroso (98) followed.
“I just need to stay focused, visualize my shots and make solid putts,” said Batican, who needs strong finishes here and in the final leg in Binitin to secure a berth in the finals.
His sister, Rafella, also surged ahead in the girls’ 11-14 after a 73, three shots clear of Cebu’s Zuri Bagaloyos (76). Andrea Borromeo and Bacolod’s Chelsea Ogborne both posted 80s.
“Just stay positive and don’t let bad shots affect your mindset,” said Rafella, who drained a long-range par save on the 17th to steady her round.
In the boys’ 15-18 division, hometown bet John Paul Oro kept Bacolod’s campaign alive with an even-par 70 to take a five-shot lead over Bukidnon ace Alexis Nailga (75).
“My putting really clicked — I got into a rhythm, especially with several recoveries and three par saves,” said Oro in Filipino.
“My plan is to stick to fairways and greens, then just two-putt in the next two days,” he added.
Zamboanga’s Mhark Fernando III, Bacolod’s Azie Acuña IV and John Rey Oro shared third at 76 in the 54-hole tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
In the girls’ 15-18, Davao’s Tashanah Balangauan carded a 73, three clear of Precious Zaragosa (76). Bacolod’s Breanna Rojas (95), Francine Jalandoni (108) and Amelia Valderrame (116) trailed.
“I miscalculated my bunker shots, and my tempo was off on that hole,” said Balangauan of a triple bogey on No. 15.
“It’s a challenging course — much longer than what I’m used to. Staying in the fairway and being accurate are key,” she added.
The tournament serves as part of the qualifying series for the ICTSI Elite Junior Finals set from September 30 to October 3 at The Country Club in Laguna, with only the top four players per division advancing./ASC, WDJ