Arevalo claims FCG world title

Slowly but surely living up to her potential, the Philippines’ Abegail Arevalo booked the biggest victory of her career on Wednesday (Thursday morning in Manila) after running away with the premier 15-18 division title of the Future Champions Golf presented by Callaway at the Temecula course in California.

Arevalo matched par 72 on a trying day to complete a wire-to-wire triumph for her second international title this year.

Counting earlier rounds of 72 and 71, Arevalo tallied 215 over 54 holes and turned back China’s Yu Chenhan, with ICTSI teammate Sam Martirez settling for joint fifth at 228 after a 75.

Coached by swing guru Bong Lopez, Arevalo, the top Filipino scorer in the 16-18 class of the Junior World in San Diego last week, also won the RSGC Ambank Jungolf crown in Malaysia last April, besting her seasoned compatriot Princess Superal.

“I’m just so happy because all the hard work is paying off,” said Arevalo, who was introduced to the game by father Tony, a pro.

“This win is for the country and my family.”

While Arevalo held sway, her teammate, Sofia Chabon, carded a 70 for 211 and settled for second in the 13-14 class to American Zoe Campos.

Campos finished with a flurry, draining birdies in her last three holes to shoot a 67 for 210.
Musong R. Castillo