Fierce battles ahead at JPGT South Pacific

(UPDATE) A FIERCER, more competitive chase for top honors and ranking points across four age categories looms in the ICTSI Junior PGT Mindanao Series when Leg 2 of the regional tour gets under way on Tuesday at the South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates.

Commanding victories defined the kickoff leg of the four-stage series last week, with five of the seven age titles decided by an average winning margin of 17.6 strokes. However, two categories saw thrilling finishes as Brittany Tamayo edged out Kimberly Barroquillo in a sudden-death playoff in the girls' 10-12 division, and Eliana Mendoza narrowly defeated Mavis Espedido by one stroke in the girls' 8-9 category.

"I'll work on my overall game to have another chance for victory," said Aldrien Gialon in Pilipino after turning what had been a close contest in the boys' 16-18 division into a runaway 10-stroke triumph over Adrian Bisera at Apo Golf last Friday.

Bisera has also been hard at work, fine-tuning his driving and iron game as he vows to get back at Gialon in what promises to be a thrilling duel between the Davaoeño cousins at South Pacific, a course they both know well.

A host of other contenders are also primed for a strong rebound in the 72-hole tournament, including South Cotabato's Travis Cadungog and Rainier Tagwalan, who showed early promise at Apo before eventually finishing third. Cagayan de Oro bolsters the roster in the premier division with players like Vince Naranjo, Nino Villacencio, Kenly Wacan and Miguel Ladisla,

AJ Wacan and Johanna Uyking, winners in the 13-15 division, will aim for back-to-back victories in the 54-hole event, while Jared Saban and Tamayo will defend their titles in the 10-12 class, which will be contested over two days.

Raven Jumawan, who placed second to James Rolida at Apo, is seeking the top spot in the boys' 8-9 division, also scheduled for 36 holes. Meanwhile, Mireille Estrosas aims to complete an unfinished business in the girls' youngest category after withdrawing in the second round last week.

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