Pilac secures match play spot, Ahn wins in playoff

TRECE MARTIRES, Cavite — Quincy Pilac claimed an 11-shot victory over Maurysse Abalos in the girls’ 10-12 category, while Chan Ahn edged Ryuji Suzuki in a sudden-death playoff to win the boys’ title in the ICTSI Junior PGT Luzon Series 7 at Sherwood Hills Golf Club on Wednesday.

Pilac’s wire-to-wire performance, which included a first-round 82, earned her a total of 162 over 36 holes, securing her a third-place finish in the final standings and a spot in the Match Play Championship.

Aerin Chan, who was absent, and Abalos took the top two spots, while Georgina Handog, who did not compete, finished fourth.

Abalos finished with an 89 for a 173 total, while Althea Bañez shot an 87 for a 175.

In the Luzon series, the top four finishers from each division—8-9, 13-15, and 16-18—will advance to the finals set for Oct. 1-4 at The Country Club, along with the top two players from the Visayas and Mindanao series, and standout players from multiple series.

In the boys’ 10-12 category, Ahn came from behind with a 76 to tie Suzuki, who shot an 80, at 154. Ahn parred the first playoff hole in fading light to claim the title after Suzuki bogeyed.

Javie Bautista placed third with a 159 after a 78. Despite the loss, Suzuki advanced to the finals along with top seed Vito Sarines, Jose Luis Espinosa, and Bautista.

In the girls’ 13-15 category, Kendra Garingalao fired a 77 to tie with Precious Zaragosa, who shot a 78, both finishing at 157.

The two are set for a thrilling final-round showdown. Montserrat Lapuz trails with an 85 for a 170, 13 strokes behind the leaders.

“I improved my short game,” Garingalao said. “I’ll stay calm and confident for tomorrow (Thursday).”

In the boys’ 13-15 category, Luciano Copok stumbled with an 83 for a two-day total of 159, allowing John Paul Agustin Jr. to close the gap with a 79, bringing him to 160, just one stroke behind.

Jose Carlos Taruc holds third place with 165 after an 85.

Meanwhile, in the boys’ premier 16-18 category, Zeus Sara maintained a commanding nine-stroke lead with a 36-hole total of 147 despite a shaky 78, following a brilliant 69 on Tuesday.

Patrick Tambalque rebounded with a 75 for a 156 total, while Zachary Villaroman moved into third place with a 78 for a 165 total.

Francis Slavin and Sebastian Sajuela posted scores of 166 and 169, respectively.

In the boys’ 8-9 category, Zoji Edoc fended off Isonn Angheng to win the leg title with a 164 total after an 86.

Angheng, who carded an 83 for a 170 total, dominated both the Luisita and Mount Malarayat legs and secured the top spot in the final rankings.

Jesus Yambao finished third with a 211 total after a 97.

In the girls’ 8-9 category, Venus delos Santos delivered her third consecutive victory, shooting a 75 for a 149 total, 10 strokes ahead of Match Play-bound Eliana Mendoza.

Mendoza, who topped the Visayas Series, shot an 80 for a 159 total, while Athena Serapio matched Mendoza with an 80 to finish third at 161. Tyra Garingalao rounded out the top four with an 89 for a 181 total.

Despite her dominance, Delos Santos will not advance to the finals, as she competed in only three tournaments, one short of the four required for the Match Play Championship.

Serapio finished on top, with Garingalao and Amiya Tablac securing the remaining finals spots.