Southern jungolfers steal show

MANILA, Philippines - Del Monte’s Pamela Mariano and Cebu’s Junia Gabasa gained the top spot in their respective divisions as the southern bets took charge in the rain-marred seeding round yesterday of the Philippine Golf Foundation Junior Masters Series at the Alabang Country course.

Mariano carded nines of 40-38 to become the No.1 seed in the girls 15-17 years while Gabasa, younger sister of former jungolf standout Irina, carded an 84 for the top ranking in the girls 11-12 play.

Both will take a bye in today’s first round and will head straight to the semifinals tomorrow of the match play phase of this culmination of a nationwide series that drew hundreds of participants from all over the country.

Daniella Uy took the No. 2 spot in girls 15-17 years with a 78 and earned an automatic semis berth.

Annika Cedo prevented a domination by the southerners when she edged LK Go for the top slot in girls 13-14 years. Cedo, daughter of a teaching pro, had an 82, one better than the 83 of Go.

A sudden downpour delayed play for more than an hour, severely affecting pace in the boys division where Cebu’s Wei Wei Gao emerged as the top 13-14 years player with a 76.

The Big City bets, however, returned the best scores in the boys 15-17 years (John Catalan), boys 11-12 (Aidric Chan) and boys 9-10 (Jolo Magcalayo).