Que and Delariarte forged their second finals meeting in three years when they outclassed their respective rivals yesterday at the Faldo course of the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club in Gen. Trias, Cavite.
Que put himself on the doorstep of becoming only the second three-peat winner of the 52-year-old tourney when he struck down unheralded Godofredo Sinfuego with an even-par stint through 15 holes.
The final score was 6 and 3 as Que, eyeing his third straight major crown this summer, moved to within a win of matching a record the legendary Golem Silverio set from 1970-72 -- which formed part of a five-year streak.
Though he knows what a victory would mean to his bosom buddy, Delariarte said it will be a "well fought match."
"We both want it. We will just play our usual games and see who wins the match," said Delariarte, who went through a tougher match against JR Tanpinco before pulling off a 4 and 3 victory.
Que was only two holes up after nine holes but ran up a string of three won holes at the start of their backnine trip to foil the upset hopes of his opponent playing out of the Fairways and Bluewaters course in Boracay.
Putting woes befuddled Sinfuego, a cousin of former champ and now professional Richard, missing about four putts that could have won him holes.
"He didn’t putt too well and that made things easier for me," said Que, who also tied Golem Silverio’s record of three consecutive finals appearances.
Delariarte was likewise steady all day, matching Que’s even-par stint through 15 holes. He was also 2 up on Tanpico after nine holes, went four ahead after 11 and was never really threatened from there.