Agojo, Ardina, Abdon, Superal all bound for Junior World

Jayvie Agojo, Dottie Ardina, Wolen Juan Superal and Jik Jik Abdon virtually clinched their free tickets to the United States as they erected double-digit leads going into the final round of the Callaway Junior World qualifying event, the third leg of the Samsung Jungolf Tour, in various venues.

Agojo, the OB Montessori lass considered as the country’s next most important female talent, scored a 78 but still widened her lead in girls Class A to 15 strokes over Matet Salivio (83-239) after 54 holes at the Manila Southwoods Legends course.

The leads of Ardina, Superal and Abdon are just as big.

Ardina, winner of the 8-and-under class last year in the Junior World, carded a 55 and stretched her advantage to 34 in girls Class D being played at the Riviera executive course where Kristina Potenciano (58-171) was up by eight over Andie Unson in girls Class E.

After turning in two under-par scores, Abdon slowed down with a 77 but still remained 13 shots ahead of Amado Eustaquio (73-231) in boys Class B. Debbie de Villa seems to have a tight grip on the girls Class C berth after pulling away by nine over Mia Piccio with an 81-243.

Electrobus Consolidated, the local distributor of Junior World title sponsor Callaway, is providing a special prize package for the tournament winners today. The regular co-sponsors of the Tour are Philippine Airlines, Airlift Asia, Air Liquide Phils., Global Lighting and Exito Manufacturing. Pisanti Golf, Bellevue Manila, Third World Eximport, HBW Enterprises, MCCI Corp. and BF Technology are minor sponsors.

The race for the other divisions remained tight with child prodigy Miguel Tabuena tied for the lead with Bino dela Paz in boys Class E and Linnel de Villa and Geleen Handog sharing the top spot in girls Group B.

Miko Alejandro stepped ahead by three strokes in Class B, scoring an even-par 72 for 220. Miko Yee, leader the first two rounds, is his most serious challenger at 223.

Tabuena and dela Paz both carded 54s for similar 161 totals with JR Gonzales soaring to a 61 and fell seven shots behind.

The event is being held to determine the 24 members of the Philippine delegation to the Junior World championships in San Diego, California this coming July. The awarding rites will be held at the Legends clubhouse of Southwoods.

All division champions will be given free tickets to Los Angeles by PAL.