Interesting matchups as Splendido leg unfurls
Interesting matchups in the younger divisions are up when the ICTSI Splendido Taal Junior PGT Championship gets off the ground on Monday as young Zach Guico returns and Ryuji Suzuki itches for payback over the ravine-laden layout.
Guico sat out the last tournament to catch up on his studies and will be shooting to win a second leg against Zoji Edoc in the 7-10 division, even as Suzuki and Vito Sarines again duel in the 11-14 class for boys, looking to break a 1-1 tie in leg wins this season.
The 36-hole event marks the third leg of the seven-stage Luzon series. The top four players from each age group division—7-10, 11-14 and 15-18—will form the North squad for the North vs. South showdown against Vis-Min qualifiers set for Sept. 30 to Oct. 2 at The Country Club.
Edoc ran away with the crown at Sherwood Hills last week and basically has earned more ranking points for the finals with Guico absent.
Elder Suzuki returns
Meanwhile, Shinichi Suzuki, the national team mainstay who is Ryuji’s older brother, returns to the circuit after representing the country in the Royal Junior in Japan, is listed as the odds-on pick to rule the centerpiece boys’ 15-18, with Eagle Ridge winner Charles Serdenia and Sherwood Hills champion Patrick Tambalque sitting this one out.
The intense heat and swirling winds are expected to add another layer of challenge, pushing the young contenders to their limits as they battle not only for championships and valuable ranking points but also to sharpen their skills for upcoming international competitions, including the prestigious Junior World Championships in San Diego this July.
