ICTSI Negros Occidental: A wild rumble

MANILA, Philippines — The race for the remaining spots in the Elite Junior Finals has reached a thrilling, do-or-die climax for the region’s top young golfers. With berths on the line, the ICTSI Negros Occidental JPGT Championship blasts off in Bacolod today, serving as the absolute final battleground for Junior PGT Visayas-Mindanao standouts fighting to keep their championship dreams alive.

Several hopefuls are locked in a fierce, down-to-the-wire scramble for the remaining Top 4 spots in each age division.

Local talent Ana Marie Aguilar has roared back into contention following a crucial victory at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club last week. While she currently sits at No. 5 with 25 ranking points, a maximum of 15 points is up for grabs for this week’s winner and another victory would easily propel Aguilar into the Finals.

However, she faces stiff competition in the 12-player field, including No. 2 Vanya Go (39 points) and No. 4 Zoey Mascariñas (28 points), setting the stage for a highly charged battle. Meanwhile, No. 3 Akeisha Yocte (33 points) has opted to skip the final leg, hoping that her current standing will hold.

In girls’ 11-14 class, two-leg winner Marqaela Dy returns as she guns for her third victory to formalize her finals appearance. Looking to spoil her bid are No. 4 Zuri Bagaloyos, No. 6 Eliana Dumalaog, and No. 7 Kimberly Barroquillo – all of whom need a win to salvage their Finals drives.