Zaragoza thwarts Nallos; Mondilla safely through

MANILA, Philippines - Ruperto Zaragoza III needed two extra holes to repulse Alexes Nallos, 1-up, to join top seed Clyde Mondilla and 14 others in the Round-of-16 of the 2011 Philippine Amateur Closed Championship at Wack Wack’s East course.

The 13-year-old Zaragoza, seeking to add the national title to his victory in the juniors division of this event two weeks ago at Alabang, bogeyed No. 17 to enable Nallos to draw level but clinched the hard-earned win with a tough par on their second trip to No. 2. He, however, will face fancied Jobim Carlos, a 2&1 winner over Jet Mathay, in today’s resumption of the event.

Mondilla, who dominated the 36-hole stroke play qualifier, cruised past Basti Lorenzo, 6&4, setting him up against Rodel Mangulabnan, who turned back JP Reyes, 4&3 in the event presented by Pancake and SOC Land and backed by Great Depot, Callaway and Odyssey Golf.

Third seed King Stehmeier and No. 4 Justin Quiban also advanced with the former bundling out Ronnie Littaua, 3&2, and the latter outlasting Manfred Guangco, 1-up, after 21 holes.

Meanwhile, the chase for the women’s crown begins today with top seed Andie Unson of the ICTSI golf club taking a bye. Dottie Ardina clashes with Chanelle Avaricio; Daniella Uy tangles with Lovelynn Guioguio; Katya dela Cruz battles Sheryll Villasencio; Jayvie Agojo collides with Samantha Martinez; Sarah Ababa squares off with Rainstar Roque; Chihiro Ikeda faces Bianca Pagdanganan and Sunshine Baraquiel mixes it up with Marvi Monsalve.

Fifth-ranked Andres Saldana scored a 1-up victory over AR Ramos while Matthew Manotoc upset No. 6 Raymund Jaraulla with a birdie in the first extra hole.

Other winners were Tootsie de Jesus, 3&1 over EJ Marcelo; Zannie Boy Gialon, 3&2 over JP De Claro and Miggy Yee, 5&4 over Aris Mata.

Marcelo next tangles with Juan Ibazeta, a 4&2 winner over Jama Reyes, while Gialon and Yee clash and Stehmeier mixes it up with Jan Coup Tambogon, an 8&7 winner over Glenn de Leon.