Dungca dominant in JPGT Riviera

MANILA, Philippines — Ronee Dungca slowed down after a sizzling start but remained unchallenged, cruising to a commanding seven-shot triumph in the girls’ 7-10 division in her debut on the ICTSI Junior PGT Series at the Riviera Golf Club in Silang, Cavite yesterday.

Dungca closed with an 80 despite a shaky 43 on the back nine of the Couples course, completing a wire-to-wire victory with a 36-hole total of 153. Her solid opening-round 73 all but locked up the title, giving her a nine-stroke cushion that proved insurmountable.

While her eight-over-par final round fell short of her personal goal of 67, it was more than enough to secure the win on another blustery day. Tyra Garingalao, who carded a 78 for a 160 total, settled for second, while Penelope Sy and Ziyu Liu struggled in the wind, finishing with 85-172 and 91-175, respectively.

If Dungca  sweeps the final two legs at Pradera Verde and Pinewoods, she could tally a maximum of 45 points and still crack the Top 4 to qualify for the Finals set Oct. 7-10 at The Country Club. “Yes, I will play at Pradera Verde and Pinewoods,” said Dungca, a nine-year-old student at OB Montessori in Angeles, Pampanga.