Bregente, Quintanilla sizzle in Singapore Open Am opener
MANILA, Philippines — Rolando Bregente and Grace Quintanilla gave the Philippines a dream opening day, producing a pair of superb rounds that put the country in command of both the men's and women's individual divisions of the Singapore Open Amateur Championships at the Singapore Island Country Club's Bukit Course on Tuesday.
It marked one of the strongest opening-day performances by the Philippine team in a premier regional amateur championship, with multiple players contending individually and in the team race against some of Asia-Pacific's finest amateur golfers.
Bregente turned in a brilliant display of precision and poise, producing a solid backside start of five-under 31, spiked by birdies on Nos. 10, 13 and 15 and punctuated by an eagle on the par-5 18th of the par-71 layout.
He sustained his form and birdied the first hole then endured a roller-coaster two-bogey, one-birdie card over the next six holes with clutch birdies on Nos. 7 and 8 for a blistering seven-under 64.
The sparkling finish gave the Filipino standout a two-shot cushion over Australia's Jonty Lunson, who birdied four of his last six holes, including the final two, to salvage a 66.
Singapore's Wei Jin Eng thrilled the home crowd by recovering from a shaky start. After sitting one-over through three holes, he eagled the fourth and added three more birdies to card a 67 and secure solo third after the opening round of the 72-hole championship.
If Bregente dazzled in the men's field, Quintanilla was every bit as impressive in the women's competition.
Mixing steady ball-striking with clutch putting, she assembled a four-under 67 to open up a commanding four-shot lead over Hong Kong's Hei Tung Leung and Singapore's Amelie Ng, who matched 71s.
Her dominant start underscored the depth of the Philippine contingent and provided another welcome boost to a campaign that could become one of the country's finest showings in the prestigious regional event.
Still, both Filipino leaders know the job is far from over.
With three demanding rounds remaining and a field packed with accomplished amateurs from across the region, maintaining their momentum will be just as important as their explosive starts.
The Philippines also enjoyed solid contributions elsewhere in the men's field.
Jet Hernandez stayed within striking distance after a 68 for solo sixth place, while Rico See and John Edward Dy matched even-par 70s to tie for 14th, giving the country four players inside the top 15 after the opening day.
The women's side, however, leaned heavily on Quintanilla's heroics.
Alethea Gaccion struggled to find her rhythm and settled for a birdie-less 77 to share 14th place, while Julian Gaerlan battled to an 82, leaving Quintanilla carrying the Philippine challenge heading into the second round.
In the team competition, the Filipinos also remained firmly in the hunt.
Bregente combined with Chris Remata, who carded a 74, for a 138 total that tied them for second, three strokes behind Australia's Lunson and Max Moring, whose rounds of 66 and 69 produced a leading aggregate of 135.
Despite Quintanilla's sterling effort, the Philippine women's team settled into second place with a 144 total after counting Gaccion's 77. Hong Kong edged ahead by a single stroke as Leung teamed with Xizihan Wang, who shot a 72, for a 143 aggregate.
For the Philippines, it was an opening day that could hardly have unfolded any better.
The twin charges by Bregente and Quintanilla not only established the country as an early force in both divisions but also raised hopes of a breakthrough performance in one of the Asia-Pacific region's most respected amateur golf championships.
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