Spotlight shifts to girls’ 13-15 in JPGT Negros golf tourney

BACOLOD – As berths in the national finals hang in the balance, the ICTSI Junior Philippine Golf Tour concludes its three-leg Visayas series here Monday, July 1, at the challenging Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club.

While some players have zeroed in on berths in the Philippine Match Play Championship with standout performances in the Iloilo and Bacolod legs, a fierce battle looms in the girls’ 13-15 division. Tiffany Bernardino, Alexie Gabi and Rane Chiu are locked in a tight race for the two slots in the national finals in October at The Country Club in Laguna. 

Gabi topped the Iloilo leg, followed by Bernardino and Chiu. Bernardino then shone in the first Bacolod tournament at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club in Murcia, edging out Chiu and Gabi by one stroke. The competition further tightened as Chiu nipped Gabi in the countback for runner-up honors.

For Gabi, this week will be unlike any other. Her plan was clear and unwavering: to block out everyone and everything, focusing solely on herself and her ball.

“I plan to become champion because I know I can do it. I just need to do my best,” she said.

Gabi said her preparation for the Negros course had been more intense and meticulous than her practices in Iloilo and Bacolod. She understood the significance of this week and approached it with a seriousness that matched its importance.

“This week is very crucial for me,” Gabi said.

In the boys’ 13-15 division, Nyito Tiongko seeks to replicate his dominant showing from Bacolod last week but faces strong competition from talented players like Dannuo Zhu, Inno Flores, Begie Salahog, Gabriel Handog, and Xian Travina.

Points are awarded based on players’ performance in each leg of the five-month, 14-stage nationwide series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. The winner earns 15 points, while the second and third placers gain 12 and 10 points, respectively. Other age group categories include 8-9, 10-12, and 16-18 for both boys and girls.

Meanwhile, the Luzon series continues with four more tournaments slated in August and September following a three-leg swing last May, while Mindanao is set to host four tournaments across four championship courses.

Players are allowed to compete in multiple series, with their best three results considered. The top four players from Luzon and the top two from Visayas and Mindanao will advance to the match play finals, with the top player from each age category across series also earning a finals spot.

Meanwhile, Kvan Alburo seeks to sweep the Visayas series as he aims for a third consecutive victory in the boys’ 8-9 category against competitors such as James Rolida and Tobias Tiongko, while Faith Reosura, Ana Marie Aguilar, Aria Montelibano and Anezka Golez will dispute the top honors in the girls’ youngest division.

Maurysse Abalos rejoins the ICTSI-sponsored tour following a victory at Splendido Taal, leading the girls’ 10-12 division, which includes Kelsey Bernardino, Chelsea Ogborne, Nikaella Salahog, and Crystalie Ann Bornales, while Race Manhit looks to secure consecutive victories in the boys’ 10-12 class against Isaac Locsin, Zach Casil, Rafael Alvarez and Romel Pactolerin.

While Dominique Gotiong is poised to showcase her top form in the girls' 16-18 division, a fierce battle is brewing in the premier boys' side. Iloilo leg winner John Rey Oro seeks to redeem himself after a setback at home in Bacolod last week. He, however, will face tough competition from talents such as Simon Wahing, Cody Langamin, Keith Pagalan, Blake Bautista and Eddie Gonzales, Jr. with twin brother John Paul Oro also tipped to contend for top honors.