Plete triumphs over Tabanas in sudden death; Nailga Shines

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BUKIDNON – Zero Plete secured a dramatic victory over Isabella Tabanas with a clutch birdie in sudden death, clinching the girls’ 13-15 age category at the ICTSI Junior PGT Mindanao Series 3 at Del Monte Golf Club on Thursday.

Starting the final round three shots behind, Plete made a strong comeback with birdies on the back nine, eventually taking a one-stroke lead to the 18th hole.

Tabanas matched her with a birdie to force a playoff, both finishing at 224. Plete’s 73 outshone Tabanas’ 76 in the final round.

In the playoff, both players faced challenges on the par-5 18th. Tabanas overestimated her approach from 50 yards, while Plete barely reached the fringe from a closer spot.

Tabanas’ chip shot left her five feet from the hole, but Plete sank a 10-foot putt for the win.

“It was nerve-wracking on the last hole,” Plete said. “Playing against my best friend in a playoff was very scary. Winning this series for the first time is a huge achievement for me, though I know it will bring more pressure.”

Plete redeemed herself after a near miss in the Mindanao Series 2 at South Pacific last week, matching Tabanas’ opening 74 on Tuesday but trailing by three with a second-round 77.

Rane Chiu from Cebu finished third with a 248 after an 80.

In the boys’ 13-15 division, Alexis Nailga triumphed over Clement Ordeneza by three strokes with a total of 219. Nailga, who was runner-up at South Pacific, stayed resilient to finish with a 73.

“I was pressured after bogeying No. 15, but I stayed focused,” said Nailga, a 15-year-old from Montessori Academy. “This win boosts my confidence, but I’m aware of the pressure to perform in the next tournament.”

Ordeneza also carded a 73 for a 222, while Luciano Copok from Manila took third with a 236 after a 79.

In the girls’ 16-18 division, Ally Gaccion of Cagayan de Oro dominated with a 71, leading with a three-under 213. Bukidnon’s Crista Miñoza ended 30 strokes behind at 243 after an 85.

“My drives and irons were better, and I made good putts,” said Gaccion. She described her round as “average” despite bogeying two of the first three holes but recovering with four birdies and just one additional bogey.

Cliff Nuñeza led the boys’ 16-18 division with a 74, overcoming a five-shot deficit to finish at 226. John Rey Oro, the halfway leader, remained in contention with a 228, and Patrick Tambalque closed in at 230 with a 75, setting the stage for an exciting final round.

This nationwide series, organized by ICTSI, aims to provide young golfers with diverse venues and formats to hone their skills. The series culminates in the Match Play Championship at The Country Club in Laguna in October.