Sarines nails third consecutive JPGT triumph

MANILA, Philippines — Vito Sarines cemented his status as the ICTSI Junior PGT’s top player with a thrilling victory at the Luzon Series 5 at the Luisita Golf and Country Club yesterday, marking his third consecutive triumph and fourth overall in the series.

Unlike his previous wire-to-wire victories at Pinewoods and Riviera, Sarines needed to overcome a five-stroke deficit to clinch the title. He finished with a one-under 71, totaling 148, to edge out Visayas Series finalist Race Manhit and previous leg winners Ryuji Suzuki by two strokes.

Sarines carded two birdies and a bogey on the back nine, where he played in a group ahead of Manhit, Suzuki and Javie Bautista. His back-nine score of 35 matched Manhit, who had seized the lead by birdieing the final two holes of the first round for a 72.

Aerin Chan continued her impressive form in the girls’ 10-12 category, capturing her second consecutive victory with a dominant nine-shot win over Quincy Pilac.

Following her five-stroke win at Riviera last month, Chan, 11, carded a 77 in her second round to finish with a 36-hole total of 157, further solidifying her bid for a spot in the Match Play finals.