Duque, Kobayashi triumph in 16-18 category at JPGT Luisita
2024-Aug-24 13:00
WINNERS. Lia Duque and Mark Kobayashi show their medals during the awarding ceremony of the ICTSI Junior Philippine Golf Tour Luzon Series 5 at the Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac on Friday (Aug. 23, 2024). They dominated the premier 16-18 category. (PNA)
MANILA – Lia Duque and Mark Kobayashi ruled their respective divisions in the premier 16-18 category of the ICTSI Junior PGT Luzon Series 5 at the Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac on Friday.
Duque carded a 79, highlighted by a two-birdie frontside 37, to claim the girls title with a 324 total. She earned 15 points to boost her bid to earn a spot in the Match Play Championship.
Chloe Rada, who settled for second with a total of 360 after an 89, collected 12 points.
"This win means a lot to me because, in the recent JPGT events, I haven't been performing as well as I wanted," said Duque, who finished second at Splendido Taal and third at Pradera Verde.
"The heat got to me towards the end of the front nine, and I started to feel a bit fatigued. Additionally, some of the tee boxes were placed a little further back today. But I always love playing in JPGT events because they are so well-organized and professionally run," she added.
Rafa Anciano, the Pinewoods leg playoff winner, placed third with a 93 for a 363, while Angelica Bañez was fourth with a 397 after a 100.
In the boys division, Kobayashi registered an 82 for a 306 to beat Zachary Villaroman, who had an 80 for a 312. Francis Slavin placed third with a 329 after an 84.
The 18-year-old Kobayashi finally bagged his first title after finishing third at Pradera Verde, Pinewoods, and Riviera.
"I had three third-place finishes, so I'm really happy to finally secure this win. I enjoy the experience here in JPGT," said the student from the School of Tomorrow in Parañaque.
The final tally for the Luzon series will consider the top four results across the seven-leg series, with the top four players securing slots in the Match Play finals on Oct. 1-4 at The Country Club in Laguna.
The finale features four age categories, including 8-9, 10-12, and 13-15, with qualifiers from the Visayas and Mindanao series also competing. The top player from each division who played in multi-series, with a minimum of three tournaments, will also advance.
The penultimate leg of the Luzon series will be held on Sept. 2-5 at Mount Malarayat Golf and Country Club in Lipa City, Batangas, followed by the final stop at Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Cavite on Sept. 10-13. (PNA)