Manila: Local bets Alexis Nailga and Zero Plete claimed victory in the 15-18 category of the ICTSI Del Monte Junior PGT Championship Friday: Nailga carded a 75 while Plete had a 77, respectively to dominate the kickoff leg of the Mindanao swing of the Visayas-Mindanao Series.
According to Philippines News Agency, Nailga finished with a 217 total to beat fellow homegrown talent Clement Ordeneza by three strokes. Ordeneza, the JPGT Match Play champion last year, also finished with a 75 and a 220 overall. Armand Copok carded a 73 to grab third place at 226, edging Vince Naranjo, who also tallied a 226 after a 74, in the countback.
'It was a close fight after my early struggles, but I managed to stay composed the rest of the way,' said the 16-year-old Nailga, whose clutch birdie on the final hole capped another victorious campaign. 'It feels great to score back-to-back wins. I also learned how to stay composed under pressure. But that birdie on the last hole was the highlight of my round - I hit a solid drive, followed it up with a strong second shot, and drained a 24-footer for birdie," added the champion of the Mactan leg of the Visayas Series last month.
In the girls' division, Plete carded a five-over round after back-to-back 75s. She clinched the victory with a clutch chip-in that set up a tap-in par on the par-5 18th, beating fellow Bukidnon native Crista Mi±oza by one stroke with a 227 total. Mi±oza settled for par and a 71 for a 228 total - just one shot shy of forcing a playoff.
'There was pressure, especially since Crista (Mi±oza) played really well today. I also had a few lapses that allowed her to close the gap. But I chunked it and was left with just 10 yards to the green. Thankfully, I managed to one-putt to seal the win,' said Plete, who will try to sustain her winning form at Pueblo de Oro next week. 'It's a great feeling to win. It definitely boosted my confidence. But at the same time, I also feel a bit of pressure heading into the next leg," she added.
Davao's Precious Zaragosa had a 74 for third place at 229.
