Bruce rallies with 68, cops San Diego Juniors crown

MANILA, Philippines - Sam Bruce put on a strong finishing kick to fire a three-under 68 and lead a 1-2-3 finish by the Filipina golfers in the San Diego Junior Masters at the St. Mark Golf Course in San Diego Friday.

Two down behind Mikhaela Fortuna at the start of the round, Bruce birdied four of the first 15 holes in impressive fashion to seize control before coasting to a two-stroke victory in the girls’ 11-12 category with a 143 aggregate.

Not even a missed-green bogey on No. 16 could stymie the Batangas-based Bruce’s title drive as Olivarez-Ilas failed to mount a backnine charge, bogeying the par-5 18th for a 73 and a 145.

It was an inspiring win for the 12-year-old Bruce, who finished second behind sister Nikki in the recent ICTSI Ladies Tour qualifier back home as she heads to this week’s Junior World oozing with confidence.

Fortuna, who paced the field with an impressive one-under 70 in the opener, stayed on top with a 37 after nine holes. But the top ICTSI-backed bet floundered with three bogeys in the first seven holes at the back and hobbled with a five-over 76. She totaled 146 to complete the Filipina bets’ sweep of the top three places.

American Amy Zhang carded a second straight 73 to actually tied Fortuna at third while Sofia Chabon, also of Team ICTSI, rallied with three birdies in the last 10 holes to salvage a 72 and a 149 for joint fifth.

Eagle Ace Superal shot a second 35 for a 70 to finish fourth in the girls’ 7-8 division topped by American Alexa Pano who had a 66 after a 34 while Anya Cedo fired a 64 to trail Thai Pearpylin Chaisilprungruang by two in the first round of the girls’ 6-and-under class.