Mendoza, Lago book Elite Finals slots after lopsided triumphs
The final slots to the Elite Junior Finals in the 11-14 bracket of the boys’ and girls’ divisions will be decided starting Thursday at Binitin, this, after
Denise Mendoza and Ethan Lago formalized their entries into the culminating event in the younger group with victories in the ICTSI Negros Occidental Junior PGT Championship on Tuesday.
Mendoza carded a two-under-par 70 for the girls’ 7-10, and Lago cruised to a 12-shot win in the boys’ side despite a 76 as both qualified for The Country Club event set next month, leaving the spots in the 11-14 up for grabs at the shorter but tricky Bacolod Golf Club.
A native of Cebu, Mendoza won by a whopping 33 shots victory over Ana Marie Aguilar (87-175), with Faith Reosura (99-189) rounding out the top three, even as Lago had plenty to spare in notching his second win since an 11-shot romp in Mactan a few weeks back.
“I think I just need to keep working on consistency so I can perform well in every tournament,” said Mendoza after tallying a 36-hole 142. “There are definitely areas where I could’ve done better.”
Meanwhile, Ralph Batican of Bukidnon closed out with a 72 for 141 to clinch the Negros leg via a 35-shot romp over Miguel Mesina, surging from No. 8 to No. 4 in the rankings. His victory, paired with an earlier win in Mactan, gave him 30 points, just enough to edge past Mico Woo (22) for the fourth spot heading into Binitin.
Mesina carded an 85 for a 176, while Isaac Locsin placed third in the Negros leg with a 181 total after a 93.
Zuri Bagaloyos from Singapore School Cebu staged an impressive comeback to clinch her first win in four JPGT tournaments this year, rallying from three strokes down to secure a memorable victory with a 73 for 149.
Bagaloyos had previously placed second in Mactan, third at South Pacific, and fourth at Apo–each performance edging her closer to the top spot.
