Ilas siblings top US Kids World Challenge elims

MANILA, Philippines - Siblings Bernice and Miguel Olivarez-Ilas pulled off contrasting victories to join the team in the recent US Kids World Championship tournament at the Player course of the Orchard Golf and Country Club in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Rupert Zaragosa likewise made an auspicious return to competitive play after a life-threatening accident by topping the 14 years division of the tourney staged by Golf Depot, local distributor of US Kids products, in coordination with the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines.

Bernice continued her unbeaten run in the ICTSI Summer Jungolf Circuit by coasting to an easy win in the girls 10 years division with her rounds of 83, 75 and 74 for a 232 total while Miguel survived a last round meltdown to capture the 8-years division crown in the tourney that staked slots to the US Kids World Championship proper in Pinehurst, North Carolina.

Ilas led by nine holes after 36 holes but Sean Granada came charging back in the final round and almost snatched the crown. Ilas finished with a 90-258, ahead of Granada who had an 83-260.

Blowout wins punctuated the other divisions with Jose Javier Lazatin (6 years), Francis Andre Lanuza (7 years), Josh Jorge (9 years), Zoon Wou-woo (10 years), Aidric Chan (11 years), Park Min-ung (12 years), Lanz Uy (13 years) and Park Kyung-chun (15-18) taking the winner’s trophies in the boys division.

Zaragosa, who was sidelined for nearly three months by a freak accident, posted rounds of 74, 76 and 78 for 228 and a six-stroke win over Gabriel Manotoc.

Princess Superal, meanwhile, lived up to expectations with her 73-80-80-233 giving her the girls 15-18 title over Daniella Uy (81-79-79-239).

The other girls winners were Eagle Ace Superal (7 years) Annyka Cayabyab (9 years), Sophia Blanco (9-years), Mikha Fortuna (11 years), Sam Green (12 years), Pauline del Rosario(13 years) and Sam Martinez (14 years).