Cayabyab clinches title in Future Champs of Golf

MANILA, Philippines - Annyka Chanel Cayabyab bucked a Chinese-American rival to capture the girls 9-10 years division crown in the Future Champions of Golf International junior golf championships at the Riverwalk Golf Club in San Diego, California over the weekend.

Cayabyab, granddaughter of Pampanga governor Lilia Pineda, built a four-stroke lead after a 34, two under par, in the first round and still won by two despite a 37 the next day for a 71 total.

California native Chia-Yen Wu pressed her bid with a 35 in the final round but fell short of her bid to deny the Filipino lass.

Junia Gabasa failed to score another Philippine victory when she lost by one to Malaysian Natasha Oon in the girls 11-12 years play at the St. Mark Golf Club.

Gabasa tied Oon for the lead but yielded in a final day shootout with a 71 against the 70 of the Malaysian.

Bernice Ilas of Team ICTSI wound up in a tie for third at 146 after rounds of 71-75 while Missy Legaspi shared sixth at 150 with her 72-78.

Cayabyab’s victory came on the heels of Pauline del Rosario’s win in the girls 15-18 years division at the Sycuan Oak Glen course.

Sean Jean Ramos was the best finisher among the Pinoy boys with his fifth place showing in the 9-10 years division at St. Mark.

Over at Riverwalk, Zachary Castro and Miguel Ilas both finished sharing seventh in the boys 7-8 years and 6 under, respectively.

The event served as the final warmup for members of the Philippine delegation to the Callaway Junior World championships starting Tuesday (Wednesday in Manila).