DHL open Zaragosa aims for elusive title

MANILA, Philippines - Former national champion Rupert Zaragosa begins his chase for one title that has eluded him the last three years as he banners the cast in the 19th WWWExpress-DHL RVF Amateur Golf Championship presented by the MVP Sports Foundation today at the North course of the Canlubang golf complex in Laguna.

Zaragosa hopes to come out strong against Luigi Wong and Korean expat Park Min-ung at 8:10 a.m. on No. 1 in one of the featured flights kicking off the four-day tournament which also features the cream of the country’s lady amateur crop.

Andres Saldana, along with the other members of the Alabang squad that will see action in the PAL Interclub in Bacolod next week, are also entered in the event serving as part of the PLDT Group Amateur Tour.

Zaragosa has fallen short in winning this tournament the last three years but the diminutive ace shotmaker remains confident of his chances on a course he calls home.

A short program will actually usher in the tournament where officials of the organizing National Golf Association of the Philippines will release 78 balloons in honor of the departed patron of the tournament and former NGAP president Rod Feliciano.

Feliciano, who was in charge of the NGAP from 2000-2004, dedicated a lot of his time and resources into turning this event into one of the most prestigious in the land. He passed away last year.

The Del Monte crew also priming up for the Interclub is also in the fold, including Mel Cubillo and Magno Arancon.

The ladies side of the event, where the core of the rock-solid ICTSI crew led by Junior World champion Pauline del Rosario and Abegail Arevalo, will start tomorrow.

Reigning world 13-14 champion Kristopher Arevalo and fellow Callaway Junior world veteran Raymart Tolentino loom as the darkhorses in the event backed by Pancake House, Golf Depot and Pacsports.