Bacolod: John Rey Oro carded a two-over 72 to beat Mhark Fernando III by four strokes in the premier boys' 15-18 division of the ICTSI Bacolod Junior PGT Championship Saturday. Oro closed out the 54-hole tournament with a total score of 218, eight over par at Bacolod Golf and Country Club. His twin, John Paul, turned in a 75 and edged Fernando for runner-up honors via countback after tying at 222. Fernando carded a 76 to settle for third.
According to Philippines News Agency, with the win, the Oro twins split top honors in the final two legs of the Visayas-Mindanao series. John Paul ruled the Negros Occidental leg on Wednesday. "I felt a bit pressured in the last few holes, but I knew I had a big lead, so it was okay," said John Rey. "My putting was solid, and my driving and chipping were also on point."
Meanwhile, Fernando secured a spot in the Elite Junior Finals with 28 points in the final rankings, where only a player's top three results are counted. He joined Alexis Nailga and Luciano Copok as the Vis-Min representatives in the national finals, slated Sept. 30 to Oct. 3 at The Country Club in Laguna. The North versus South Finals is a Ryder Cup-style competition that pits the best from Luzon against the top performers from the Visayas-Mindanao series. The Oro twins, however, missed the cut for the Finals, having played only two legs, one short of the minimum requirement.
In the girls' division, Cebu's Tashanah Balangauan fired a 70 for a 212 to grab the title by 13 strokes. Precious Zaragosa of Davao, who finished at 225 after a 73, placed second, while Breanna Rojas was third with 253 following a 77. Balangauan, who also ruled the Mactan and Marapara legs, highlighted the importance of her preparations for the Elite Junior Finals. "I'm truly grateful for this experience. It's humbling, and even more special because I started my JPGT campaign with three straight victories," the 16-year-old said. "I give all the glory to God for these blessings. This achievement isn't mine alone. It's also for everyone who has supported me along the way -- my family and my support team."
John Rey Oro and Balangauan thus joined the roster of winners in the seventh and final leg of the Visayas-Mindanao series, alongside siblings Rafella and Ralph Batican (11-14), and rising stars Ana Marie Aguilar and Lucas Revilleza (7-10). Rafella earned the last Finals berth in her category, while Ralph also advanced.
