Wahing, Gaccion dominate Junior PGT Pueblo

MANILA – Simon Wahing ruled the boys' 16-18 category in the ICTSI Junior PGT Mindanao Series 4 at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club in Cagayan de Oro on Thursday.

Despite an 80, he finished with a 72-hole total of 308. Cliff Nuñeza had a 78 for a 314 total while John Rey Oro scored a 79 to also wind up with a 26-over aggregate with the former bagging runner-up honors via countback.

Both Wahing and Oro have secured their places in the Match Play Championship on Oct. 1-4 at The Country Club in Canlubang after topping the Visayas series.

"My driving and pitch shots are solid, but I really need to work on my putting. I missed a lot of four-footers today (Thursday)," said the 17-year-old Wahing from Del Monte.

Nuñeza, the Del Monte leg winner, secured the second finals berth from the Mindanao series, joining Aldrien Gialon, who won the Apo and South Pacific stages.

Ally Gaccion maintained her top form to capture the girls' title. She had a second straight 72, marked by four birdies, for a four-over 292.

"I had a good round and a strong finish, except for the last hole. Overall, I'm really pleased with my game today," said Gaccion, who had a birdie from 30 yards on the ninth hole.

Crista Miñoza placed second with a 330 after an 89. She will join Gaccion in the Match Play finals, along with Dominique Gotiong and Rhiena Mae Sinfuego, the Visayas series topnotchers.

Meanwhile, the Luzon series will resume in Luisita on Aug. 20, followed by the second leg at Mount Malarayat on Sept. 2-5 and the third at Sherwood Hills on Sept. 10-13. (PNA)