JQ takes it away this time

Justin Quiban finally went all the way.

Smarting from back-to-back crumbling finishes in his last two outings, Quiban settled for an even par 72 Saturday and notched his maiden pro victory in the CAT (Central Azucarera de Tarlac) Open at Luisita Golf and Country Club.

With a built-in five shot lead, Quiban played with composure, parring the first 11 holes before slamming the door on closest pursuer Joenard Rates with birdies on Nos. 12 and 14.

Though Rates got a lease on life when Quiban bogeyed No. 15, which he birdied, he yielded the fight with a bogey on 17th. The $17,500 top purse in the bag, Quiban’s closing bogey only made the distance closer.

Counting earlier rounds of 70-66-67, the 21-year-old Quiban pooled a 13-under 275 for the crown.

Quiban’s triumph made up for scrambling finishes at Southwoods (joint fifth) and Wack Wack (joint sixth), where he figured in the title chase. —ROY LUARCA