13-year-old rules Forest Hills Classic

ANTIPOLO, Philippines — Junior golfer Yunju An showcased her talent well beyond her years in a dominant seven-stroke win over Gretchen Villacencio in the ICTSI Forest Hills Ladies Classic at the Nicklaus course here yesterday.

The 13-year-old Korean prodigy withstood a fierce challenge from her compatriot Jiwon Lee with a 74 that left both her competitors and spectators in awe.

An wrapped up the 54-hole tournament with a 216 total, which included a remarkable two-under 69 in the second round. Villacencio carded a 73 for a 223.

Apo leg winner Sarah Ababa matched par with a 71 to tie Miya Legaspi, who shot a 73, at third place with 224s, while Chihiro Ikeda finished in fifth place with a 226 after posting a 75.

Lee, who started the final round in second place, five strokes behind An, made a strong push early on and pulled within one stroke of the leader. However, she faltered in the final stretch for an 80 and sixth place at 227 alongside fellow Korean Seoyun Kim, who carded a 74.

In men’s play, Keanu Jahns held on to a two-stroke lead over Randy Garalde, thanks to clutch birdies that salvaged a 71 as he chases his elusive first Philippine Golf Tour crown at the Nicklaus course here.

“The key was staying composed,” said the 29-year-old Fil-German after a 35-36 round and an 11-under total of 202 in this seventh leg of the 10-stage circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Garalde carded an impressive 68 and climbed within two strokes of the lead at 204.

Rupert Zaragosa and Sean Ramos are also in contention, matching solid 66s to sit at 205 and 207.