Del Rosario, Ilas reign in Singapore jungolf

MANILA, Philippines - Pauline del Rosario and Bernice Olivarez-Ilas brought their winning act from Malaysia to Singapore as they dominated their respective divisions in the 22nd SICC/DBS Junior Invitational Golf Championship 2013 at the Singapore Island Country Club’s Sime course yesterday.

Del Rosario, who romped off with the 15-18 crown in the Kids World Championship in Johor two weeks ago, cruised to a five-shot romp in 12-15 years-old category despite a closing three-over 75 for a 218 total in the 54-hole tournament.

Ilas, who took the 11-and-under diadem in the Kids World via a runaway 20-shot romp, matched par 72 and actually shared the overall runner-up honors with Indonesian Inez Wanamarta, who carded a 74, at 223.

Ilas, who hit 14 fairways and 11 greens, ran away with the Class B title then teamed up with Del Rosario to deliver the team championship to Team ICTSI-Philippines.

Del Rosario, also a Junior World champion, built a six-shot lead after two rounds with a near-flawless 69 but struggled in the final round as she missed seven greens. But she made up for this with a solid stint on the greens, making just 27 putts to dominate the field.

She thus joined former ICTSI stalwarts Chihiro Ikeda and Dottie Ardina in the event’s roster of winners with Ikeda winning in 2008 and Ardina reigning last year.

Abegail Arevalo, another ICTSI member, shot a 75 to finish fifth at 224 while Sam Martinez, who moved up to third after two rounds after a 74, reeled back to end up seventh at 225 after a 76. Sofia Chabon also made a 76 for eighth at 228 while Mikhaela Fortuna wound up 12th at 238 after a 79.