Jahns sets title duel vs Van der Valk; Miñoza tests Singson
STA. ROSA, Laguna—Keanu Jahns and Guido van der Valk steamrolled their way into the ICTSI The Country Club (TCC) Match Play Invitational finals, even as Martina Miñoza and Mafy Singson survived pressure-packed battles to set up a title showdown on the women’s side.
Jahns, the long-hitting Filipino German, delivered a semifinal clinic with a 6&4 rout of Reymon Jaraula, showcasing the kind of maturity that has defined his breakout season. Earlier, he clawed back from two down to edge Tony Lascuña with a late surge and a composed finish on the daunting 18th.
“I didn’t play spectacular, just steady,” said Jahns. “Par is a good score on this course.”
Van der Valk, the methodical Dutchman, punctuated his own semifinal with an ace on the par-3 No. 3 that turned the tide against Clyde Mondilla. The 45-year-old veteran stayed sharp in the heat, crafting a 3&2 win and earning a bonus trophy for his hole-in-one.
“It’s tiring, but I didn’t have to go all 36 today,” van der Valk quipped. “The ace helped a lot.”
Their showdown promises a compelling contrast: Jahns’ power and youthful confidence against van der Valk’s shot-making discipline and TCC wisdom.
In the women’s draw, Miñoza staged a stirring comeback from two holes down to stun Harmie Constantino, 2&1. Steadying herself after a nervy start, she rode clutch iron play and sharp reads from her father and caddie, Ben, to claw her way back. Her birdie on the 17th sealed the deal.
“I didn’t expect to win,” Miñoza admitted. “But I stayed confident and focused.”
Singson, cool under pressure, edged Daniella Uy with a birdie on the 17th after a seesaw battle. The Davaoeña said she focused on sharpening her short game the night before and it paid off when she stuck a wedge to within a foot at the crucial moment.
“Martina is very steady,” said Singson. “If she plays well, I have to be better.”
