Arevalo, Singson rule National Stroke Play

MANILA, Philippines — Kristoffer Arevalo used a solid start to break away from Perry Bucay, fire a 69 and beat Rho Hyun Ho by two while Mafy Singson pounced on Lois Kaye Go’s backside meltdown to rally from two down and snare a one-stroke triumph in the National Stroke Play Championship at Manila Southwoods’ Legends course over the weekend.

Tied with Bucay after 54 holes, Arevalo shook off his rival’s challenge with back-to-back opening birdies then shot three more against two bogeys for a 33-36 card and a 286 as Ho moved from joint third and took the runner-up honors in the men’s side with a 70 for a 288.

Bucay failed to match Arevalo’s fiery start with pars and fell farther back with a double-bogey on No. 3 for a frontside 40. He matched par at the back but his closing 76 dropped him to joint fifth at 293 with Gabriel Manotoc and Ivan Monsalve, who shot 70 and 71, respectively.

Korean Kim Tae Soo carded a 73 and finished third at 291.

Two strokes off Go with 18 holes left, Singson cashed in on her familiarity with the bunker-laden layout, firing an eagle on the par-5 14th for a 72 and a 295.

Go, who will see action in the Hanoi SEA Games next month, had a 75 for a 296.