Zaragosa out to defend Iloilo crown

MANILA, Philippines — Coming off an impressive runner-up finish in the previous Philippine Golf Tour event at Forest Hills, Rupert Zaragosa is poised to defend his title at the ICTSI Iloilo Golf Challenge in Iloilo.

The P2.5 million championship presented by MORE Electric and Power Corp. kicks off today at the short but demanding Iloilo Golf and Country Club, where Zaragosa clinched his maiden Tour win in dominant fashion last year, winning by nine strokes over multi-titled Tony Lascuña.

Zaragosa’s consistent performances this season highlight his readiness to chase a second career victory. Since finishing tied for 22nd at the circuit’s opening leg in Apo, Zaragosa has placed no lower than 14th in the following six tournaments, including a second-place finish behind Keanu Jahns at last month’s ICTSI Forest Hills Classic.

However, the field remains formidable, with several top competitors led by the winners from the previous legs – Jhonnel Ababa (Apo), Clyde Mondilla (Caliraya Springs), Angelo Que (Philippine Masters) and Lascuña (Splendido Taal).

Meanwhile, young Korean sensation Jiwon Lee is determined to redeem herself from a slip in the previous Ladies PGT leg.

The 16-year-old rising star is out to regain her form after a closing round of 80 caused her to bomb out of contention at Forest Hills, where 13-year-old fellow Korean Yunju An outclassed the pro field to claim victory.

“Since this is my first time playing here, I’m both excited and nervous,” said Lee.