Fernando, Tanpinco to defend RP Am crowns

Anthony Fernando and Anya Tanpinco try to make it back-to-back as champions in their respective divisions when the 2008 Philippine Amateur Golf Championships is staged May 28-June 1 at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club course in Bacolod.

Fernando dominated Mario Labajo in their 36-hole duel and romped away with an 8 and 7 victory in one of the most lopsided final results in the country’s premier amateur championship at the Iloilo Golf Club last year.

But the ICTSI team stalwart is expected to have his hands full this time with a slew of talents out to foil his back-to-back bid, headed by teammate Ferdie Aunzo and fellow national team mainstays Mark Fernando and Jhonnel Ababa, the top amateur in the recent Philippine Open.

Tanpinco, on the other hand, whipped Sunshine Baraquiel to capture the women’s crown via a one-sided 10 and 8 victory. But like Fernando, the Bacolod native will be hard-pressed to score a repeat against a field teeming with talent.

Chihiro Ikeda, for one, is tipped to lead the chase for top honors in the event conducted by the National Golf Association of the Phils. (NGAP) as the reigning RP Ladies Open champion is enjoying top form with a victory in the Thai Juniors recently.

Spicing up the tournament is the staging of the seniors match play among the country’s top golfing elders (handicap index 8.6 and below) with the 36-hole stroke play qualifying to be held May 28-29. The top eight players will advance to the match play event.

The 18-hole quarterfinals will be played May 30, the semis on May 31 and the finals on June 1 with the winner emerging the first seniors match play champion and to be nominated to the team competing in the Asia Pacific Seniors Amateur Championship.

Registration is now open with the first 100 *(men’s,* *handicap index 6.8 and below)* and 60 *(women’s, handicap index 8.6 *and below) participants to be accepted, according to NGAP.

Entry fee is pegged at P2,500 or $60 in both classes.

The top 32 men and top 16 women players after the 36-hole stroke play elims will advance to the match play phase of the event also held in honor of the country’s golfing great Luis “Golem” Silverio, who passed away recently.

For details, contact NGAP at 525-6987 or fax 521-1587 and NOGCC at (034) 441-1190 or fax (034) 441-1191.

Deadline for listup is on May 22 for foreign players and on May 26 for local participants.