Redemption, domination define JPGT Vis-Min Series finale

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BACOLOD – Redemption and domination marked the opener of the final leg of the ICTSI Junior PGT Visayas-Mindanao Series as Ana Marie Aguilar and Lucas Revilleza surged ahead in the 7-10 age division, while Ralph Batican and Tashanah Balangauan reasserted their mastery of their respective classes in the Bacolod JPGT Championship on Thursday.

Aguilar, who finished second to runaway winner Denise Mendoza at Marapara last Tuesday, fired an 83 at the demanding par-70 Bacolod Golf and Country Club under sweltering heat – more than enough to secure a seven-stroke lead over Faith Reosura in the girls’ youngest category.

Although Aguilar won’t be eligible for the Elite Junior Finals, having fallen short of the required minimum of three-event participation, the Bacolod native remains determined to cap her campaign with a win on Friday.

“I chipped close to the hole and putted really well,” said the 9-year-old St. Scholastica Academy-Bacolod standout Aguilar, who displayed composure on the greens, while noting how the Binitin surface played slower compared to Marapara. “I’m very excited to win tomorrow, and I expect to shoot a lot of pars.”

But out to spoil her bid is Reosura, who, despite a 90, is aiming for a strong finish and an improvement on her third-place showing at Marapara. Cagayan de Oro’s Francesca Geroy shot a 91 for third, virtually locking up the fourth and last Finals berth in the division set for Sept. 30 – Oct. 3 at The Country Club.

Leading the Vis-Min team to the Finals are Mendoza, Soleil Molde and Claren Quiño.

In the boys’ 7-10 class, Lucas Revilleza, who also finished second to Ethan Lago at Marapara, carded a gritty 73 to take a four-stroke lead over Lago, who struggled to a 78 in tougher conditions. James Rolida of CDO shot an 84 for third, with Tobias Tiongko and Shaqeeq Tanog turning in 87 and 90, respectively.

While Revilleza is poised for a win to complete the final cast, both Rolida and Tanog are aiming for nothing less than a victory to keep their slim hopes for a backdoor entry alive.

Revilleza, 8, bounced back from a forgettable performance at Marapara with a stellar showing at Binitin.

“My game wasn’t great in Negros, but it really improved here,” said the Rizal Memorial Colleges student. “Every aspect of my game clicked – driving, irons, pitching and putting.”

Ralph Batican, meanwhile, put on another show in the boys’ 11-14 division, riding on a whopping 35-stroke victory at Marapara. He opened with a sensational six-under 29 at the front, highlighted by an eagle on No. 5 and four birdies and finished with back-to-back birdies from No. 15 for a solid eight-under 62.

The Bukidnon star posted an early 22-shot lead over Miguel Mesina heading into the final round of the 36-hole tournament.

Mesina fumbled with an 84, while JM Sabroso carded an 88 for third.

Batican is on track for a sweep of all three Vis-Min legs, having already dominated in Mactan and Marapara.

“The key is staying focused and patient,” said the 13-year-old. “The eagle on No. 5 gave me a big boost, and some of my birdies were really just lucky. But with a big lead, I’ll just stick to my game plan and keep doing the same routine in hopes of producing the same result.”

In the girls’ 11-14 division, Rafella Batican also put herself in prime position for redemption following a tough loss to Zuri Bagaloyos in the previous leg. She posted a 72 to take a commanding nine-shot lead over Andrea Borromeo, who shot 81. Chelsea Ogborne followed with a 91.

Though still behind in the Finals race, Rafella is aiming for nothing less than a victory to keep her backdoor bid alive for the final slot in this seventh and final leg of the Vis-Min Series.

“I just have to stay focused, visualize, and not be discouraged by any mistake,” said the 11-year-old Montessori Academy student. “I played bad at Marapara, but it was much better here. It’s been a while since I’ve had a clear shot at a gold medal, so I can’t get too excited just yet.”

In the premier 15-18 division, Tashanah Balangauan continued her winning form, firing a gritty 71 to seize a five-shot lead over Precious Zaragosa, who struggled to a 76. Mikela Guillermo carded an 87 for third.

While both Balangauan and Zaragosa are virtually assured of the last two Finals spots, their ongoing duel has turned personal. At Marapara, Balangauan rallied from two strokes down to edge Zaragosa by two – and the rivalry in the 54-hole tournament is far from over.

“Every time I was able to bring in my second or third shot close to the pin, it gave me a good chance for birdie,” said Balangauan, the St. Benedict Childhood Education Centre student, who leaned on her strong iron game and consistency to stay in contention, attributing her scoring chances to precise approach shots.

“Both courses are narrow, but Binitin is shorter. I’ll just keep hitting fairways and, as much as possible, the greens. I’m not letting my guard down,” she added.

Anticipating a tight battle with rival Zaragosa in the final stretch, Balangauan added: “Pressure is a privilege, but I’m going to do my best tomorrow.”

Mhark Fernando, on the other hand, carded a 73 to storm past Eddie Gonzales, Jr., who shot a 75 in the boys’ centerpiece category. Marapara leg winner John Paul Oro faltered with a 76 for third.

Fernando relished his rare control of the division, highlighted by a spectacular birdie on No. 4 after a drive that nearly went out of bounds. Though he overshot the pin by nearly 40 feet, he drained the long putt with confidence. He also saved par after a wayward shot to the left on the closing hole.

“I just stayed patient and focused on course management,” said Fernando, 15, from Zamboanga City. “I didn’t expect to be leading after bogeying my first three holes on the back nine, but I kept my composure.”