PGT Match Play: Que vows readiness despite recent illness
STA. ROSA, Laguna – This is one event Angelo Que wouldn’t dare miss.
The newly crowned Philippine Golf Tour Order of Merit champion declared himself fit and ready to compete as the top seed in the ICTSI The Country Club Invitational, which kicks off Tuesday), November 25, at The Country Club here.
Que had been uncertain about his participation after abruptly withdrawing in the final round in last Friday’s PGT finale at Valley due to a severe stomach ailment. The three-time TCC Invitational champion said he spent most of the weekend resting and recovering, and although he skipped Monday’s traditional pro-am, he was confident enough to give the green light for the P2-million match-play championship.
“I’m not expecting much since I’m still recovering from a stomach flu,” said Que on the eve of the event. “But I will definitely give it my best.”
Despite downplaying expectations, Que arrives with momentum built on a remarkably consistent season — two victories, two runner-up finishes, multiple Top 10s — and finally, after years of close calls, his first career OOM crown.
But his opening assignment promises to be far from routine.
The top-seeded Que will open his campaign against former Philippine Masters champion Jerson Balasabas in what promises to be a grueling hole-by-hole battle where even a struggling underdog can turn the tables quickly.
Balasabas squeezed into the elite 32-man field as the final qualifier. Though he has endured a rollercoaster stretch on Tour in recent years while searching for his old form, his shot-making pedigree and match-play experience make him a dangerous draw — especially against a top seed who’s still regaining full strength.
With no regard for aggregate scores, match play amplifies pressure and opens doors for lower-ranked players. Every hole is a reset, every mistake magnified, every putt potentially decisive. That dynamic, combined with Que’s uncertain physical condition and Balasabas’ motivation to revive his career, sets the stage for a first-round duel loaded with history, respect and risk.
Unfancied Arnold Villacencio — who stunned the Tour last year after an unlikely run to the title — returns seeking another triumphant performance but draws a tough opening challenge in No. 16 Ryan Monsalve
Other marquee matchups include No. 2 Keanu Jahns versus Kristoffer Arevalo; No. 3 Fidel Concepcion versus Randy Garalde; No. 4 Guido van der Valk versus Rico Depilo; No. 5 Rupert Zaragosa versus Francis Morilla; No. 6 Reymon Jaraula versus Gerald Rosales; No. 7 Russell Bautista versus Mars Pucay; No. 8 Clyde Mondilla versus Marvin Dumandan; No. 9 Jeffren Lumbo versus Nilo Salahog; No. 10 Tony Lascuña versus James Ryan Lam; No. 11 Collin Wheeler versus Kang Chonkoo; No. 12 Michael Bibat versus Kim Tae Soo; No. 13 Atsushi Ueda versus Elee Bisera; No. 14 Dino Villanueva versus Gabriel Manotoc; and No. 15 Jhonnel Ababa versus Zanieboy Gialon. (Pool story)
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