Bernis sails to10-shot victory at Malarayat

LIPA, Batangas — He had an imposing eight-stroke lead but it was not a reason for Jun Bernis to lose his focus.

Every competitive round is crucial for someone preparing for a bigger battles ahead and Bernis was even more challenged by the swirling winds that swept Mt. Malarayat all day in the final round of the Samsung Amateur Tour.

"I think that the fundamentals of my game are in place, I’m ready for anything," said Bernis after he scored a two-over-par 74 and cruised to a 10-stroke victory in the championship division of the multi-level competition.

The two strokes over par by Bernis, who will defend his Philippine amateur crown next month after a stint in the Fil-Am in Baguio this week, were actually bogeys on the last two holes when the winds became too strong to handle.

Posting an impressive four-under total of 284, he picked up a second straight title after topping the Canlubang Open at his home course.

Ferdie Aunzo went even-bogey on the first five holes but still managed to score a 75 to place second behind Bernis at 294 while Jonel Ababa soared to a 78 for third place at 296.

Tootsie de Jesus, Ronald Galicia, Pepe Mendoza and GP Duremdes were the other men’s division winners of the tourney supported by Taylor Made, C-Lium Fibre, Microtel, Titleist, Custom Clubmakers/KZG, Sunbolt. Media partners are Jam 88.3, Wave 89.1, Magic 89.9 and 99.5 RT and Solar Sports Plus which will air highlights of the event.

De Jesus shot 81-161 to win Class A, Ronald Galicia made 87-165 for Class B, Mendoza had a 90-183 for Class C and Duremdes carded 93-192 for the Class D plum.

In the ladies division, Regine de Guzman tallied 78-154 to beat Carmelette Villaroman and Chihiro Ikeda by three strokes.

In the awards ceremony, Bernis and all the other division champions each got trophies and the latest Samsung Slim Phone from Boy Blue Ocampo of the organizing Professional Sports Management, Inc.