Bacolod city: Tashanah Balangauan staged a gritty comeback against Precious Zaragosa to win the girls' 15-18 division title by two strokes Wednesday at the ICTSI Negros Occidental Junior PGT Championship in Bacolod City. The 16-year-old Cebuana had a round of 75 to beat Zaragosa by two with a 54-hole total of 12-over 222. Zaragosa settled for a 79 and a 224 total, while Breanna Rojas carded a 93 to finish third with a 285.
According to Philippines News Agency, Balangauan expressed her confidence after the victory, highlighting her preparation and focus on each shot. She emphasized her commitment to her routine and playing with confidence, which contributed to her second win in the Visayas-Mindanao leg of the Junior Philippine Golf Tour. With her back-to-back wins, she has earned 30 points, improving to No. 4 in the rankings and enhancing her chances for an Elite Junior Finals slot. Zaragosa, meanwhile, moved to third with 34 points.
Crista Mi±oza and Zero Plete secured the top two spots in the rankings with 39 and 37 points, respectively, virtually locking in their berths in the North vs. South Finals scheduled for Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 at The Country Club.
On the boys' side, hometown favorite John Paul Oro claimed the title with a 54-hole total of 222, carding a 75 in the final round. Alexis Nailga finished as the runner-up with a 72 and a 225 total, while Azie Acu±a secured third place with a 78, totaling 230.
