Korean expat rules Phl Junior Amateur Open

MANILA, Philippines - Korean expat Park Min-ung came charging home to salvage a three-over 75 and beat Malaysian Ervin Chang by two and capture the Philippine Junior Amateur Open Championship crown at Sherwood Hills Golf and Country Club in Trece Martirez, Cavite yesterday.

Park rallied with four birdies at the back to complete a closing 40-35 card as the 13-year-old bet from Riviera pooled a 296 to rule the 72-hole championship presented by MVP Sports Foundation.

The 14-year-old Chang, who started the day two shots up on Park, wilted under pressure and dropped four strokes in a four-hole stretch from No. 2. He limped home with a 79 and settled for second with a 298.

Basti Lorenzo also wound up with a 79 and ended up third with a 307 in the event which served as part of the PLDT Group Amateur Tour.

Erstwhile leader Gabriel Manotoc and top Phl bet Rupert Zaragosa, who were running 1-2 halfway through the event, were disqualified in the third round after hitting each other’s balls on No. 14.

Top ICTSI bet Princess Superal also struggled in a day of soaring scores but still ran away with the girls’ title despite a closing 80 for a 295, winning by 10 strokes over Daniella Uy, who made a 77, in the tournament backed by Pancake House, Nike, Golf Depot, Pacsports and Microtel as the official residence.

Uy finished with a 305 then nipped Felicia Medalla, who had a 78, in the countback for runner-up honors. Pauline Del Rosario wound up fourth at 309 after an 81.

Lanz Uy carded a 79 and placed fourth in the boys’ division at 311.