North staves off South’s fightback

CAGAYAN DE ORO, Philippines  – Team North staved off the late fightback of South to post a crucial 7-5 victory in Foursomes in Day 2 of the ICTSI North vs South Elite Junior PGT Championship at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club yesterday.

South pulled within striking distance at 4-6 and needed only to win the final two matches to salvage a dramatic overall draw for the day but North held its nerve.

Jakob Taruc and Nathan Belandres battled from three holes down in the stretch and forced Clement Ordeneza and Sebastian Sajuela to an all-square finish, while Mona Sarines and Kendra Garingalao likewise halved their match against Tashanah Balanguan and Precious Zaragosa, with both matches ending level in the 15-18 division.

Those two halves proved decisive.

North forced South to split  the day’s final two points en route to the escape act that stretched its lead to 14 ½ against 9 ½ heading into the remaining singles matches.