Zaragosa, Park forge PH match play duel

DASMARIÑAS, Cavite—Rupert Zaragosa scrambled his way past two Japanese foes Thursday to arrange a title clash with South Korean expat Park Min-ung today for the Philippine Amateur Match Play championship at the Orchard’s Palmer course here.

The defending champion Zaragosa first posted a 2-up victory over Yuuto Katsarugawa in the quarterfinals before eliminating Gen Nagai for a 2 &1 Final Four win in the event presented by the MVP Sports Foundation as part of the PLDT Group Amateur Tour.

While Zaragosa struggled, Park reached the finals with ease, posting similar 7 and 6 victories over veteran King Stehmeier in the quarters, and countryman Kim Tae-woo in the semifinals.

Both teeners have never clashed in match play before, though Park owns a triumph over Zaragosa in stroke play when he won the Junior Am title last year.

“He is a good player and it will be a very interesting match,” Zaragosa said of the finals that will be played over 18 holes at the world-class layout. “But I will just play my game and see what happens.”

Daniela Uy and Yuka Saso of Japan forged a title match in the women’s side of the event backed by Pancake House, Golf Depot and Pacsports, also after bundling out two foes in succession.

Uy first took care of Samantha Bruce in the quarterfinals, 6 & 5, before taking out Chanelle Avaricio in the Final Four, 4&2. Avaricio scored an 8 &7 win over Yang Ju-young to make the semifinals.