Bregente, Suzuki spearhead march into Match Play quarters
MANILA, Philippines — The tournament favorites lived up to expectations, turning in commanding performances to book their places in the quarterfinals of the NGAP Match Play Championship Thursday at the demanding Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac.
Stroke play qualifying champion Rolando Bregente and runner-up Shinichi Suzuki led the charge, each posting convincing victories as the championship shifted from medal play to the pressure-packed knockout format.
Bregente, who topped the 36-hole stroke play elims to earn medal honors, disposed of Ronel Taga-an, 3&2, to arrange a quarterfinal showdown with Bobe Salahog, who survived one of the day's closest contests, edging Mhark Fernando III, 1-up, after a tense back-and-forth duel.
Suzuki, who finished second to Bregente in qualifying, was equally impressive, defeating Geoffrey Tan, 3&1, to advance against Jed Dy, who likewise weathered a tight battle before eliminating Singapore's Lukeshvarunaa Elangkovan, 2&1, on the softened Luisita layout.
Third seed Jet Hernandez also stayed on track in his bid for a rare sweep of the NGAP's premier men's titles. Fresh from his dominant victory in last week's Stroke Play Championship at Pradera Verde, Hernandez overwhelmed Alexis Nailga, 5&4, to earn a Last-Eight clash with rising talent Ralph Batican.
The young Del Monte standout matched Hernandez's dominant form, dispatching Jacob Casuga, 5&3, to complete one of the marquee quarterfinal pairings.
The remaining quarterfinal berths went to Emilio Hernandez and Jacob Rolida. Hernandez defeated Edison Tabalin, 3&1, while Rolida turned back Patrick Tambalque, 3&2.
Quarterfinal matches were being played at press time.
In the women's division, Lisa Sarines emerged victorious in the much-anticipated sibling showdown, defeating twin sister and ICTSI teammate Mona Sarines, 3&2, to advance to the semifinals. Awaiting her is Precious Zaragosa, who turned in one of the day's most decisive performances with a 4&3 rout of Ally Gaccion.
Tashanah Balangauan also secured a semifinal berth after grinding out a 2&1 victory over Nicole Gan. She will face top seed Grace Quintanilla, who needed 19 holes to finally put away the gritty Brittany Tamayo in the tournament's lone extra-hole match.
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