Nailga, Plete rule prime Del Monte divisions
Alexis Nailga and Zero Plete carved out contrasting victories on Friday as homegrown bets ruled the centerpiece divisions of the ICTSI Del Monte Junior PGT Championship at tree-lined Del Monte Golf Club.
Nailga completed a rally to win a second leg in the Visayas-Mindanao Series, as a three-over-par 75 still proved enough to turn back fellow Bukidnon native Clement Ordeneza by four shots in the 15-18 boys’ division despite a closing 75 for a 216 in the 54-hole tournament organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
After skipping the Alta Vista leg in Cebu, Nailga has actually won two of the three stops of the circuit, counting his runaway triumph at Mactan.
Plete, on the other hand, outgunned Davao’s Precious Zaragosa in an enthralling duel, prevailing by a stroke after both closed out with sterling 68s over the challenging layout that demands nothing but precision on every shot.
Plete tallied 213, with the highlight of her successful campaign coming on the 14th hole, where she touched off a string of four straight birdies to come home with a 31.
Zaragosa had a chance to forge a playoff but missed a legitimate birdie chance on the 54th hole. Mikela Guillermo placed a distant third at 237 after an 81.
“I focused on not overthinking and did my best to stay composed,” said Plete after the shootout. “I took it shot by shot and made sure not to get ahead of myself.
“My game has improved significantly since last year–especially my putting. It’s been a big step forward,” she added.
