Suzuki cleans up at Malarayat as Lisa Sarines triumphs
Shinichi Suzuki came up with an unstoppable mop-up job for the ICTSI Mount Malarayat Junior PGT title with a flourish on Wednesday, shooting a three-under-par 69 to complete a 21-shot win, even as Lisa Sarines edged twin sister Mona by four shots for the girls’ crown in Lipa City in Batangas.
Those, even as Mindanao’s rising star, Alexis Nialga got off to a rip-roaring start to highlight boys’ play as the first leg of the Vis-Min swing got off the ground in earnest at the military-operated Mactan Island layout also on Wednesday.
“This win shows that hard work truly pays off,” the 6-foot-3 Suzuki, who plays out of Manila Southwoods, said after yet another big win. “Keeping God at the center gives me clarity and direction.
“Even with a big lead, I stayed disciplined–fairways, greens and smart putting.”
Suzuki tallied a 54-hole 211 in the boys’ 15-18 division, as Tristan Padilla and Patrick Tambalque never stood a chance after closing out with 76 and 78, respectively, to share second.
Starting the final round with a 10-shot cushion, Suzuki never relented – birdieing four of his first 15 holes and brushing off a double bogey on the 17th with a birdie on the last.
Lisa Sarines, meanwhile, fired a 74 for 229, leaving Mona scampering and eventually settle for a 76. Kendra Garingalao placed third with a 258.
In Cebu, Alexis Nailga fired a two-under 66 to storm to a massive 10-shot lead in the boys’ 15-18 division, as the Bukidnon standout birdied six holes to offset a double bogey and two bogeys, showcasing the form that made him a dominant force in last year’s regional series of the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
Nailga’s late surge, sparked by a long birdie putt on the par-3 14th, highlighted his 34-32 card and underscored his bid for another strong campaign this season.
Ritchie Go struggled with a 76, while Sebastian Sajuela settled for a 78 to trail Nailga heading into the final two rounds of the 54-hole tournament.
