Que, Chan, Mondilla return for ICTSI Negros Classic

NEGROS OCCIDENTAL — Angelo Que returns to the Philippine Golf Tour spotlight seeking another championship, while Aidric Chan and multi-titled Clyde Mondilla rejoin the chase as a strong field gathers for the ICTSI Negros Occidental Classic beginning Monday, Sept. 21, at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club.

Fresh off a 1-2 finish at Summit Point last week, Que and Chan had been uncertain about playing in the sixth leg of the PGT because of commitments in Taiwan.

Both missed the weekend cut in Taiwan and are expected to return to the Philippines in time for the opening round of the PHP 2.5 million championship.

Mondilla skipped the Summit Point leg because of a previous commitment but has confirmed his return, further strengthening the field in the 10-leg circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Zaragosa chases third straight Negros title

With Que, Chan, and Mondilla back, defending champion Rupert Zaragosa faces another stern test as he seeks a third consecutive championship at the tight and demanding Marapara layout.

Zaragosa leads a field that also includes five-time Order of Merit winner Tony Lascuña, Jhonnel Ababa, Reymon Jaraula, Zanieboy Gilaon, Guido van der Valk, Fidel Concepcion, and Jeffren Lumbo.

Their contrasting styles and experience could set up another competitive four-day battle.

The Marapara course is expected to put a premium on precision and course management, with its tight confines leaving little room for errant shots.

Partly cloudy conditions, scattered rain showers, and thunderstorms forecast during tournament week could add another challenge.

Wind could also become a significant factor, forcing players to adjust their shot selection and strategy throughout the four rounds.

The conditions set the stage for another wide-open title race as players try to gain momentum in the second half of the season.

Chan continues pursuit of first PGT win

Chan remains one of the players to watch as he continues his pursuit of a breakthrough PGT victory.

The young shotmaker, who has already won on the Asian Development Tour, will again face a deep field that includes Russell Bautista, Dino Villanueva, Elee Bisera, Nilo Salahog, and Arnold Villacencio.

Foreign contenders Collin Wheeler, Ha Taewon, Kim Tae Soo, Lee Song, and Jiseung Cheon add further depth to the field.

Filipino American Ivan Yabut will also look to reverse a string of disappointing results and make a serious run at the championship after struggling to find consistency on the country’s demanding layouts.

Former leg winners Jay Bayron, Mars Pucay, Gerald Rosales, Jerson Balasabas, Ira Alido, and Michael Bibat are also seeking to rediscover the form that made them regular title contenders.

A younger group led by Gab Manotoc, Kristoffer Arevalo, Josh Jorge, Jonas Magcalayo, and Leandro Bagtas will try to make an impact.

All five have shown flashes of potential and will look to move into contention early and sustain their challenge through the week.

Que targets third victory of season

Much of the attention, however, will center on Que.

At 47, the veteran remains a major title threat after a strong run of results this season.

The three-time Asian Tour winner captured the Caliraya Springs leg by one stroke over Lascuña before adding another victory at Summit Point, where he defeated Chan by two shots.

Those victories have put Que in position to chase a third title of the season and strengthen his bid to retain the Order of Merit crown.

Que’s recent run has also highlighted the experience and adaptability that could prove valuable at Marapara, where patience and precision are likely to matter as much as power.

For Zaragosa, the challenge is to extend his winning streak against a field strengthened by the return of Que, Chan, and Mondilla.

For the rest of the field, the tournament offers another opportunity to build momentum as the PGT moves through the second half of its 10-leg season.

With wind, possible rain, and a loaded field adding to the challenge, the Negros Occidental Classic could come down to who best manages both the course and the pressure.