Strong start crucial as North, South clash in JPGT Finals

CAGAYAN DE ORO — With early momentum potentially decisive in a three-day team battle, North and South brace for a high-stakes showdown as the ICTSI Junior PGT Elite Finals tees off Tuesday at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club.

Both teams are coming off a long, grueling campaign highlighted by six legs of regional qualifying and now bring their best young players into a Ryder Cup-style showdown that will test not only their shot-making but also their composure under pressure.

With four-ball matches opening the Finals, getting off to a strong start could prove crucial.

Day 1 will feature the best-ball competition, with both sides expected to field their strongest partnerships in the 7-10, 11-14 and 15-18 age divisions.

Each player will play their own ball, with the better score of each pair counting on every hole.

Day 2 shifts to the more challenging foursomes, or alternate-shot format, before the deciding singles matches Thursday.

North coach Joey Anciano knows the opening exchanges could set the tone for the entire showdown but stressed that staying composed in pressure-packed moments will ultimately separate the winner from the loser.

“Staying calm under pressure. Both teams are good, but the side that handles the close moments and makes key putts will win,” Anciano said.

Given that premise, Anciano said North will put a premium on its short game in its bid to gain an edge over South.

“Around the greens. Match play comes down to short game and sinking putts when it matters most. If we do that, we’ll be in good shape,” he added.

North boasts considerable depth in the 7-10 division, led by girls Winter Serapio, Jaicee Cervantes, Andrea Dee and Jehanne Mendoza, and boys Zach Guicio, Zoji Edoc, Kenzo Tan and Kingston Ching.

South, however, has plenty of firepower of its own, with Soleil Molde, Ana Marie Aguilar, Vanya Go and Akeisha Yocte leading the girls’ side, while Ethan Lago, Stephen Clementer, Lucas Revilleza and Darren Ong banner the boys’ contingent.

With both teams boasting depth and balance, even the opening matches could produce tight finishes, making every hole and every putt potentially crucial in establishing early momentum.

The 11-14 division promises another riveting battle, with North leaning on Cailey Gonzales, Georgina Handog, Mavis Espedido and Quincy Pilac in the girls’ competition, while Chan Ahn, Vito Sarines, Javie Bautista and Jacob Casuga make up the boys’ contingent.

South counters with Marqaela Dy, Brittany Tamayo, Rafella Batican and Zuri Bagaloyos in the girls’ bracket, and Ken Guillermo, Jared Saban, Ralph Batican and Mico Woo among the boys.

The 15-18 girls’ division adds another layer of intrigue, with North’s Lisa Sarines, Rafa Anciano, Mona Sarines and Kendra Garingalao taking on South’s Tashanah Balangauan, Precious Zaragosa, Apple Gotiong and Lois Lane Go.

North’s Shinichi Suzuki, Jakob Taruc, Nathan Belandres and Santi Asuncion, meanwhile, gear up for a spirited battle against South’s Alexis Nailga, Sebastian Sajuela, Clement Ordeneza and Roman Tiongko in the premier boys’ division.

North enters with the psychological edge after winning the inaugural showdown, 26½-21½, but South now has home-course advantage and a new generation of qualifiers eager to prove themselves on junior golf’s biggest team stage.

That combination could produce a more balanced contest than last year’s scoreline suggests.

For North, the mission is straightforward: stay composed, trust its partnerships, apply pressure and capitalize on South’s mistakes.

“The energy is high. Winning last year makes us even more hungry to bring the trophy back home for Team North,” Anciano said.

For South, the equation is equally clear: capitalize on familiarity with the course, embrace the home crowd and make every point count.

If the Southerners can translate their local knowledge into an early advantage, Tuesday’s opening matches could set up a title fight that stretches all the way to Thursday’s final singles battles.