Nailga surges at JPGT Mactan opener

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LAPU-LAPU CITY — Mindanao’s rising stars set the early pace in the boys’ division, while Cebu’s homegrown bets took control of the girls’ side at the ICTSI Mactan Island Junior PGT Championship on Wednesday.

Alexis Nailga delivered a commanding performance in sweltering heat and on tricky greens, firing a 2-under 66 to build a 10-shot lead in the boys’ 15–18 division at the par-68 Mactan Island Golf Course.

The Bukidnon standout birdied six holes against one double bogey and two bogeys, showing the form that made him a dominant force in last year’s regional series staged by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

“I had trouble on the bunkers and greens, so I need to steady my driving and sharpen my recovery shots,” said the 16-year-old, who capped his round with three straight birdies from No. 14.

Nailga’s late surge, sparked by a long birdie putt on the par-3 14th, highlighted his 34-32 card and strengthened his bid for another strong campaign this season.

Ritchie Go struggled with a 76, while Sebastian Sajuela shot a 78 to trail Nailga heading into the final two rounds of the 54-hole tournament.

In the boys’ 11–14 category, Ralph Batican overcame a shaky start and recovered late to card a 74 for a one-shot lead over Ken Guillermo, who shot a 75 highlighted by an eagle on the par-5 No. 15.

Mico Woo stayed within striking distance with a 77 as the division moved into its final round.

“I didn’t play well overall. I tried to stay composed but couldn’t settle down,” Batican said.

He said a costly triple bogey on the par-3 16th came after his tee shot landed on a rock and he holed out with a 6.

“That hole really hurt my round. I need to stay focused and improve mentally,” he added.

In the 7–10 division, Ethan Lago carded a 75 to lead Lucas Revilleza, who shot a 77, while Darren Ong fell 12 shots back after an 87.

“The greens were slower, so I had to adjust my putting,” said Lago.

“I made a lot of birdies and I want to keep the momentum going,” he added.

Revilleza stayed within range with a closing birdie, setting up a tight duel in the final round.

In the girls’ division, Cebu’s Tash Balangauan took firm control of the 15–18 class with a 79, opening a 12-shot lead over Lois Lane Go and Apple Gotiong, who matched 91s.

“It was a tough round, but I stayed composed and learned from my mistakes,” said Balangauan.

“I’ll aim to come back stronger in the next round,” she added.

Marqaela Dy seized the spotlight in the girls’ 11–14 class with a 71 for a three-shot lead over Zuri Bagaloyos and Eliana Dumalaog, who carded identical 74s.

Skye Yocte edged closer to a breakthrough JPGT title after carding a 77 for a four-stroke lead over Vanya Go and Zoey Mascariñas, who shot 81s, in the 7–10 division.

“I just need to stay focused. If I hit a bad shot, I’ll try to recover and do better on the next one,” said Yocte, a 9-year-old student at Bright Minds in Action Learning Village.

She highlighted her 43-34 round with birdies on Nos. 6, 12 and 14.

The Mactan leg is scheduled from April 8 to 10, 2026, with the 15–18 division contested over 54 holes and the 7–10 and 11–14 divisions played over 36 holes.

In Lipa City, Shinichi Suzuki completed a dominant run in the JPGT Luzon Series with a closing 69, routing the field by 21 strokes to boost his bid for a Grand Finals berth.

“This win shows that hard work truly pays off. Keeping God at the center gives me clarity and direction,” said Suzuki.

“Even with a big lead, I stayed disciplined – fairways, greens and smart putting,” he added.

The St. Francis of Assisi College standout finished at 5-under 211 in the boys’ 15–18 division, defeating Tristan Padilla and Patrick Tambalque, who faltered with rounds of 76 and 78, respectively, to share runner-up honors at 232.

Starting the final round with a 10-shot cushion, Suzuki never let up, birdieing four of his first 15 holes and answering a double bogey on the 17th with a birdie on the last.

“My putting improved a lot, and my ball-striking really clicked,” said Suzuki.

“My short game has come a long way this week – it gave me confidence,” he added.

“But there’s still work to do, especially on the greens,” he said.

In the girls’ division, Lisa Sarines set aside sibling rivalry and turned a close duel with twin sister Mona into a four-shot victory after a backside 36 lifted her to a 74 and a 54-hole total of 229.

Mona briefly moved within one after a frontside 37, but three bogeys over the final nine holes allowed Lisa to pull away.

Mona finished second at 233 after a 76, while Kendra Garingalao placed third at 258.

Lisa, moving up from the 11–14 bracket to the premier division, said she remains focused on improving as the competition gets tougher.

“My level of competition is pretty good, I am able to play internationally but I know that I have to keep on working harder if I want to get at the top level,” she added.