Tamayo, Saban shine in ICTSI Junior Mindanao Series I

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DAVAO CITY – Brittany Tamayo and Jared Saban showcased exceptional performances to emerge victorious in their respective categories at the ICTSI Junior Mindanao Series I held at the Apo Golf and Country Club on Wednesday.

Tamayo clinched the girls’ 10-12 category title after a tense sudden death playoff against Kimberly Barroquillo.

The 12-year-old from Notre Dame University in Marbel, South Cotabato, saw her initial three-stroke lead slip away due to a triple-bogey on the par-3 16th.

Despite this setback, she held her nerve in the playoff, securing the win with a par on the 18th hole.

“I was very happy that I won the playoff,” Tamayo said, celebrating her second career sudden death victory. “I had a chance for a birdie in the playoff but three-putted because I was too nervous.”

Tamayo plans to compete in next week’s Mindanao Series 2 at South Pacific, emphasizing the need to “improve my short game and stay focused.”

She expressed gratitude to her parents, coaches, and friends for their support.

In the boys’ 10-12 category, Jared Saban dominated with a remarkable 78, which included a birdie on the 17th.

Saban matched Tamayo’s 19-over total of 163, finishing 16 strokes ahead of his cousin Laurence Saban, who scored an 88 for a 179 total.

Jared attributed his victory to diligent practice in pitching and putting, excelling in the hot conditions that firmed up the challenging layout.

Prince Bisera secured third place with a 94, totaling 205.

In other categories, James Benedict Rolida and Denise Eliana Mendoza won the 8-9 titles.

Rolida, after near-misses in the Bacolod series, secured victory with an 87, totaling 178 for a commanding 15-stroke win over Davaoeño Raven Jumawan.

Mendoza saved a 76 to edge out Bataan’s Athalea Espedido by one stroke with a 160 total, despite being hit in the shin by a wayward ball.

“I feel happy and look forward to the grand finals in October in Laguna,” Mendoza said, aiming to improve her putting and mental game.

In the boys’ 13-15 class, AJ Wacan maintained his lead with a 155 aggregate, putting him 12 strokes ahead of Joaquin Pasquil.

Johanna Uyking solidified her lead in the girls’ 13-15 category with an impressive 74, extending her overnight lead to 16 shots over Rose Wacan.

In the boys’ 16-18 class, Aldrien Gialon birdied two of the last six holes, salvaging a second straight 78 and tying with Rainier Tagwalan at 156.

Adrian Bisera remained in striking distance at 158 despite an 81, setting the stage for a thrilling duel in the final 36 holes.

Fresh from their Junior World Championships stints, Tamayo and Jared Saban gained a strong start for their Match Play finals bids at The Country Club from Oct. 1-4.

The ICTSI Junior Mindanao Series I is sponsored by ICTSI and organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., marking the first stage of the four-stage series.