Tight Duels Highlight JPGT Mactan Island Opener

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MACTAN ISLAND – The ICTSI Mactan Island Junior PGT Championship teed off with tightly contested duels across six age-group divisions Monday at the short but challenging Mactan Island Golf Course, where par proved elusive and early leads were hard-earned.

Local standouts Niña Balangauan and Lois Laine Go shot identical five-over 73s under sweltering heat to share the lead in the girls 15-18 category of the 54-hole tournament, the kickoff leg of the seven-stage Visayas-Mindanao series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Balangauan, 15, relied on a hot birdie stretch from No. 15 to post an impressive 31 on the back nine, but faltered with a bogey-laden 42 on the front.

“This course is unpredictable—short but tricky,” said the St. Benedict Childhood Education Center student. “I need to rehydrate, rest well and do my best tomorrow. No expectations—just focus shot by shot.”

Go, meanwhile, credited her short game for keeping her in contention.

“My putting really saved my day,” said the youngest of the three golf-playing Go siblings. “My plan is simple—hit the fairways, reach the greens and make putts.”

Davao’s Precious Zaragosa posted a 78 in her debut in the top division, five shots behind the leaders, while Bukidnon’s Crista Miñoza followed with a 79 and Cebu’s Apple Gotiong carded an 83.

In the boys 15-18 division, Bukidnon’s Alexis Nailga drained a clutch birdie on No. 8 and gained a share of the lead after Nyito Tiongko III bogeyed the ninth, both finishing with 77s.

Bacolod’s Inno Flores stayed within striking range at 80.

“I played poorly—my drives veered left, and I overhit most irons,” said Nailga. “I need to focus on my long game tomorrow.”

Tiongko embraced the course’s chipping conditions but aimed to sharpen his mid-iron accuracy.

“I plan to work on my 120-yard shots and hope the putts drop tomorrow,” he said.

Trailing the leaders were Flores at 80, Zeus Suzara and Roman Tiongko with 87s, and Ritchie Go and Daniel Go, who struggled with 89 and 98, respectively.

In the boys 7-10 category, Davao’s Ethan Lago and Cebu’s Kvan Alburo fired matching 78s to set up a final-round showdown in the 36-hole event sponsored by ICTSI.

Lago, 8, holed a pitch for birdie on No. 18 to catch Alburo, who had difficulties on the greens.

“I hope to make more birdies and keep my score steady,” said Lago.

Alburo added: “I need to focus on my shots and improve my putting tomorrow.”

James Rolida stayed in the mix with an 82, highlighted by a strong finish on the back nine.

In the girls 11-14 class, Mandaue’s Zuri Bagaloyos posted a 76 to hold off Margaux Espina of Cagayan de Oro and South Cotabato’s Brittany Tamayo, who each shot 77s.

“I had a lot of three-putts and struggled to hit regulation,” said Bagaloyos, 12. “Tomorrow, I just want to play safe, play happy and make my parents proud.”

Rafella Batican turned in an 81, while Chelsea Ogborne finished with a 90.

In the boys 11-14 division, Ralph Batican fired a gritty three-over 71 to seize a two-stroke lead over Jared Saban, who carded a 73.

Ken Guillermo and David Gothong stayed within reach with 75 and 76, respectively, heading into what promises to be a thrilling final 18 holes.

Last year’s JPGT Match Play champion Denise Mendoza dominated her division with a 76, opening a massive 19-shot lead over Sistine Marie Yu, who posted a 95.

The 10-year-old Cebu Learning Center student capped her round with two birdies and an eagle on No. 15.

“I hit a good drive, pitched to 10 feet and made the putt—I thought it would lip out,” said Mendoza of her eagle.