Gialon snaps long drought, rules Caliraya

Zannie Boy Gialon

What was supposed to be a cruise for home didn’t turn into one, as Zannie Boy Gialon needed to finish with a flourish and dispatch of a hard-charging for the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Championship title in Cavinti, Laguna.

Starting the final round with a five-shot lead, Gialon needed two straight birdies from the 15th to put Mondilla away, as the long-hitting ace from Bukidnon had come to within a stroke after Gialon bogeyed No. 14. Gialon closed out with a one-under-par 71 and 275, good for a four-shot win over Mondilla, who fired a 67.

“I knew Clyde was on the chase that’s why I just kept my focus,” Gialon, whose last win came in the Calatagan stop of the circuit organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc., said in Filipino. “I got my confidence back with those birdies.”

Mondilla, who lost in a playoff to Miguel Tabuena at Luisita three weeks ago, finished a stroke ahead of Joenard Rates and LJ Go, who returned a 71 and 67, respectively.

Rupert Zaragosa, tied for second at the end of the third round, returned a level 72 and finished six shots clear.