Chemistry big factor in Elite Junior Finals
The best of the North battles South’s finest starting on Wednesday as the long and grueling Junior Philippine Golf Tour (JPGT) season ends with a Ryder Cup-style event known as the ICTSI Elite Junior Finals at windswept The Country Club in Laguna.
Three different format in as many days will be played to determine the champion, as chemistry will play a vital role with Day 1 using the four-ball format before the alternate shot is played the following day. The singles will be held on Friday.
Team North, which will be captained by Francis Talion, still has a formidable roster for the boys’ 15-18 division even after losing Shinichi Suzuki, the Filipino Japanese who had to beg off to carry national colors in Japan this same week.
Patrick Tambalque, Zachary Villaroman, Jose Carlos Taruc and Kristoffer Nadales, who will play in place of Suzuki, are the other members of the North team seeking to exact revenge from losing the Match Play finals last year.
The girls’ representing the North in the premier division are Rafa Anciano, Levonne Talion, Tiffany Bernardino and Chloe Rada.
Multi-leg winner Alexis Nailga, along with Luciano Copok, Mhark Fernando III and Eric Jeon, make up the boys’ South lineup, while the girls’ squad boasts Tashanah Balangauan, Crista Miñoza, Precious Zaragosa and Mike Guillermo, who grabbed a late slot after academic conflicts sidelined Zero Plete.
Meanwhile, the youngest age group (7-10) brings a refreshing unpredictability and passion, where raw talent and fearless energy could swing matches in either direction.
Expect fireworks from North’s Zoji Edoc, Zach Guico, Asher Abad and Halo Pangilinan, up against South’s Ethan Lago, Lucas Revilleza, Kvan Alburo and James Rolida, who took the place of Jamie Barnes, who had to withdraw due to academic commitments in Thailand.
