The format of the competition may also stand in the way as the event calls for a 36-hole stroke play elimination in the first two days before the top 32 players move to the next stage — a match play phase where fortunes could change in any given day.
Delariarte outlasted former champion and now-pro Angelo Que in the marathon 36-hole finale at the Dye course of the Eagle Ridgle golf complex last year and the Southwoods bet is expected to go flat-out to retain his crown.
But Juvic Pagunsan, the reigning SEA Games champion, will be out to foil his bid along with the likes of Jay Bayron, Abe Rosal, Marvin Dumandan, Juami Rocha and former champion Artemio Murakami. Others in the fold are veteran campaigners Tommy Manotoc, Iggy Clavecilla, Jose Mari Hechanova and Dave Hernandez.
The Langer course will be as much tested as the competing field with the ravine-laced layout expected to provide the toughest challenge especially if the winds come into play.
Meanwhile, the organizing National Golf Association of the Philippines (NGAP) announced that the first 120 male amateur players with handicap indices of 9 or below will be accepted to play. Deadline for listup is at 12 noon on Sunday with the entry fee pegged at P1,500, inclusive of a practice round.