Zaragosa, Superal cop Phl Jr Am titles

MANILA, Philippines - Rupert Zaragosa and Princess Superal dominated their respective divisions despite contrasting final round outputs as they led the winners in the NGAP’s Philippine Junior Amateur Closed Championship at Sherwood Hills Golf and Country Club in Trece Martirez, Cavite yesterday.

Zaragosa fired a two-under 70 for a 72-hole total of 289 as he ran away with a nine-shot victory over Justin Quiban, who carded a 73 and a 298, in the centerpiece boys’ division. Superal struggled with a 74 but posted a big 11-stroke romp over Daniella Uy for a 285.

Regan de Guzman and Andres Saldaña took the special 17-21 division crowns. De Guzman shot a 71 for a 282 for a three-shot win over Cyna Rodriguez, who made a 70 and a 285. Saldaña later turned in a 75 for a 305 and a 13-shot romp over Ian De Guzman, who skied to 79 and a 318.

Zaragosa hit four birdies and stood at four-under going to No. 14 before bogeying the next two holes.

Gabriel Manotoc fumbled with a 76 for a 304. He wound up third in the premier side of the event which served as part of the PLDT Amateur Golf Tour.

Superal, the new spearhead of the solid ICTSI squad, won her event in the middle two rounds after playing them in a combined eight-under-par after efforts of 67 and 69. 

Kristopher Arevalo made a 73 for 294 and came away with an 11-stroke win over Ryan Monsalve in the boys’ 13-under division. Sophia Chabon sizzled with a six-under 66 to complete a come-from-behind win over Harmie Constantino in the girls’ 13-under class.

With earlier rounds of  69, 71 and 69, Chabon assembled a 275 to take a two-stroke victory over Constantino, who had a 277 after a 70.

The other backers of the event, presented by the MVP Sports Foundation, were Pancake House, Nike, Golf Depot, Pacsports and Microtel Eagle Ridge.