CLUB CHAMPIONS TOURNEY: Joson, Mauricio seal final duel

MANILA—Royal Northwoods’ Richard Joson sustained his fine form and romped off with a 7&5 victory over Cho Han Pyo to arrange a showdown with Valley Golf’s Adrian Mauricio for the 2011 Samsung National Tournament of Club Champions crown at the Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club Friday.

Joson frolicked at the tough Dye course and dominated the host club’s reigning champion, annexing his second straight emphatic triumph to earn a crack at the championship. He disposed of Mt. Malarayat’s Gerald Katigbak, 5&4, in their quarterfinal duel Thursday.

Mauricio, on the other hand, went through a wringer to stop Summit Point’s Dennis Gonzales, carving out a 2-up win in their own side of the semis duel in the annual event sponsored by Samsung in partnership with the Eagle Ridge GCC and its developers Sta. Lucia Realty and Alsons Land Inc. and Inquirer Golf.

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Top seed Tina Gonzales of Orchard and No. 3 Mela Lee of Ayala Greenfields turned in a pair of thrilling victories to set up an interesting clash for the ladies crown.

Gonzales needed an extra hole to edge Tagaytay Highlands/Midlands champion Beachie Abiera, 1-up, while Lee turned back second seed Olive Yoon of Mt. Malarayat, 1-up.

Lino Magpantay whisked off King Sumulong’s challenge as the top ranked champion of Tagaytay Midlands posted a 2-up win over the Eastridge titlist to reach the finals of the seniors division.

No. 7 Tomas Joson, meanwhile, lined up for a possible double victory for Royal Northwoods as he nipped Alabang’s Carlos Coscolluela, 1-up, to clinch the other championship berth in the tournament.

Clashing in the special division finals are AFP GC’s Matet Salivio and Canlubang’s Erika Mohiro in the ladies class and Joey Huerva, also of Canlubang, and Rancho Palos Verdes’ Kuresh Samanodi in the men’s category.