Unfancied bet tops Minda reg'l elims

MANILA, Philippines - Obscure Jelbert Gamolo shot a one-under 71 yesterday to clinch the top seeding for the match play phase of the National Golf Association of the Philippines’ Mindanao Regional Championship at Apo Golf in Davao.

Gamolo hit three of his four birdies at the backside for a 36-35 card as he pooled a 144 total after the 36-hole stroke play elims for the No. 1 spot.

That was two ahead of Lloyd Go of Cebu, who turned in the day-best 69 for 146 for No. 2 in the centrepiece event serving as part of the Globe-NGAP Amateur circuit.

Rupert Zaragosa, priming up for his title defense in the Philippine Amateur Junior (Closed) Championship in Alabang next week, wound up No. 3 with a 147 after a 74 followed by Reymon Jaraulla, Joey Huerva and Noel Langgamin.

Rene Menor closed out with an 82 for 162 to finish 16th for a duel with Gamolo in the first round of the knockout stage of the event backed by Pancake House, Titleist and Golf Depot.

Go will take on Jets Sajulga (80-160); Zaragosa goes up against Del Monte’s Paul Vesinica (74-160), Jaraulla (74-147) clashes with Junio Vesinica (78-159); Huerva (76-150) battles Magno Arancon (76-158) and Langgamin, the first round leader who shot a 78 for 150, mixes it up with Francis Morilla (75-154).

Pamela Mariano, meanwhile, emerged No. 1 in the women’s side with a 160 after a second straight 80 as she collides with No. 8 Stella Barnes, even as Eva Miñoza took the second spot with 166 after an 82 for a clash with No. 7 Michelle Kuwahara.