S’woods claims crown

Yuto Katsuragawa assembled a three-under-par 66 worth 39 points and helped Manila Southwoods win the centerpiece Fil Championship division in emphatic style as the 67th Fil-Am Invitational presented by San Miguel Beer came to a close yesterday.

Ira Alido fired 37 and Kristoffer Arevalo matched par for 36 as the trio made up the bulk of Southwoods’ final-day 146 at well-manicured Camp John Hay in Baguio for 570 points, 19 clear of Royal Northwoods, which was led by the 42 points of Carlo Gatmaytan.

Northwoods pooled a fourth round 151 to edge Forest Hills, which welcomed back Rupert Zaragosa, who fired 37 to spearhead a 141 effort for 519 overall.

San Miguel-Northern Cement finished fourth 54 points behind after a 137.

Southwoods started the day 24 points ahead and non-playing skipper Thirdy Escano admitted to having told his players to take it easy.

“It was by far the most enjoyable round that they had,” Escano said of his players. “This victory is a validation of the Southwoods program centered on the youth.” —MUSONG R. CASTILLO