Final North spots up for grabs at Aoki
With only a few spots left for the North squad for the Elite Junior PGT Finals this August, a scramble looms when the Eagle Ridge stop unwraps Wednesday at the vast complex’s Aoki course in Gen. Trias, Cavite.
There are still berths up for grabs in all three divisions for the Ryder Cup-style finale in Cagayan de Oro where the North standouts will face their counterparts from the South at Pueblo de Oro.
Laura Pablo and Cecilia Mamauag, currently deadlocked at joint fifth in the girls’ 7-10, and a win at Aoki will mean 15 ranking points which could mean the fourth and final spot. Standing in their way are third-ranked Jehanne Mendoza and No. 4 Jaicee Cervantes, the recent Beverly Place leg winner.
The boys’ 7-10 side promises equal drama with Asher Abad holding on to No. 5 and eager dislodge either No. 3 Kenzo Tan or fourth-running Kingston Ching, both of whom are fighting to protect their turf.
The chase for berths in the girls’ 11-14 bracket also remain wide open. With No. 3 Mavis Espedido and No. 4 Aerin Chan out this week, sixth-ranked Tyra Garingalao and No. 7 Quincy Pilac are ready to go for broke, knowing a victory could catapult them straight into the finals.
On the boys’ 11-14 side, it’s a “now or never” scenario for No. 5 Race Manhit. He realistically needs at least a second-place finish to keep his dreams alive.
