Quiban returns, eyes ICTSI Summit Point crown

LIPA CITY, Batangas — Justin Quiban makes his return to the Philippine Golf Tour next week, strengthening an already deep field for the ICTSI Summit Point Championship beginning Sept. 8 at Summit Point Golf and Country Club.

With a break in the regional tours giving him an opening, Quiban has opted to return to the PGT for the PHP 2.5 million championship with his sights set on another victory.

Quiban made a strong start to his PGT campaign this year by winning the season-opening ICTSI Lakewood Championship in Cabanatuan City in March.

He drained an eagle on the final hole to edge South Korea’s Taewon Ha by one stroke, capping a memorable week that included a course-record 10-under 62 in the opening round.

Quiban then shifted his focus to regional circuits, where results have not always gone his way but the stretch of competition has given him opportunities to fine-tune his game.

He hopes to put that experience to use at Summit Point, where a deep field of established champions, rising players, and foreign contenders awaits.

The tournament is the fifth leg of the 10-stage circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. and marks Summit Point’s return to the PGT calendar after a nine-year absence.

The course last hosted a PGT event in 2017, when Clyde Mondilla won the ICTSI Players Championship before securing that season’s Order of Merit title.

Its return adds another demanding test to what shapes up as a wide-open title chase.

Caliraya Springs winner and reigning Order of Merit champion Angelo Que is primed for another run at the crown.

Multi-titled campaigners Keanu Jahns, Tony Lascuña, Reymon Jaraula, Guido van der Valk, and Zanieboy Gialon are also in the field.

Leading the younger generation are Sean Ramos, Aidric Chan, Russell Bautista, Jeffren Lumbo, Kristoffer Arevalo, and Filipino American Ivan Yabut.

Ha, who finished one stroke behind Quiban at Lakewood, leads the foreign contingent.

Fellow South Koreans Kim Tae Soo, Jisung Cheon, and Lee Song are also entered.

Japanese players Kashihara Hirotaka, Sena Shiraishi, and Nagata Masaki are also listed in the early field.

Other players expected to contend include Fidel Concepcion, Michael Bibat, Ryan Monsalve, Gab Manotoc, Nilo Salahog, Gerald Rosales, James Ryan Lam, Rico Depilo, Jerson Balasabas, Ivan Monsalve, Ira Alido, Jonas Magcalayo, and Jay Bayron.

The Summit Point championship comes after a two-month pause in the PGT calendar, with the previous two legs held in July.

The extended break gave the field time to rest, sharpen their games, and prepare for the second half of the season.

Several players also competed in overseas tournaments during the hiatus, giving them additional competitive rounds before the tour resumes.

The week will also feature an accompanying 54-hole Ladies PGT event offering a PHP 1 million purse.