Sarines vs Sarines showdown is on

LIPA City, Philippines — Lisa Sarines appeared on track to building a commanding lead in the premier girls’ 15-18 division, but a late meltdown turned the tournament into a gripping sibling duel.

The rising standout struggled down the stretch, limping home with a 79 after a costly closing run that reduced a sizable advantage to a two-shot lead in the ICTSI Mount Malarayat Junior PGT Championship in Batangas here yesterday.

Fresh off a dominant run in the 11-14 category last year, Sarines stood on the par-4 16th with a five-shot cushion over twin sister Mona Sarines. But the momentum suddenly shifted.

Sensing an opportunity, Mona stayed within striking distance, closing with a par-bogey-par finish for an 81 to keep the pressure on heading into the next round of the 54-hole tournament, which kicks off the Luzon series of the Junior Philippine Golf Tour.

“It was a decent round, but 7-over isn’t the score I wanted,” said Lisa.