Ababa pockets South Island Under-19 diadem

MANILA, Philippines - Sarah Ababa enhanced a promising golf career by winning the South Island 19-under tournament crown with a closing even par 73 for a four-shot romp over New Zealand’s Jesse Hamilton at the Timaru Golf Course in Timaru, New Zealand Friday.

Ababa, who started the final round just one stroke ahead of NZ Women’s Amateur match play tormentor Laura Hoskin, played steady golf under tough, cold condition, negating her lone bogey mishap on No. 8 with a birdie on the par-5 11th for a 36-37 card.

The top ICTSI-backed shotmaker wound up with a 222 to complete a wire-to-wire finish in the 54-hole tournament which featured some of top junior players in New Zealand and the Asia-Pacific region, including Emily Eng and Caryn Khoo, a semifinalist in last week’s NZ match play championship.

“I stayed focused and played it steady by putting my ball in the fairway and trying to make it in regulation,” said Ababa.

It was actually her second title in three weeks as she teamed up with former Philippine Ladies Open champion Jayvie Agojo in winning the NZ Foursomes championship in Christchurch.

Hamilton, three shots behind Ababa after two rounds, threatened Ababa with a one-under card at the turn but she failed to sustain her charge, bogeying Nos. 11, 14 and 17 against a birdie on No. 13 for a 74 and a 226.

Hoskin cracked under pressure from Ababa this time and hobbled with a 77, dropping to third with a 227.

“She’s been working hard on her game and is really determined to improve,” said ICTSI team coach Bong Lopez of his 16-year-old ward who joined the squad in 2007. “This win should further boost her confidence as she sets out for more international tournaments.”