MICAH Shin, a Korean expatriate who knows Apo Golf like the back of his hands, and turned back Rupert Zaragosa, 2 and 1, yesterday to capture the National Golf Association of the Philippines’ Mindanao Regional title in Davao.
The wiry 15-year-old, whose family moved to Davao several years back, birdied the long 12th hole and then had a routine par on the 13th to take a comfortable 2-up lead which Zaragosa failed to overhaul.
Though Shin won the title, it was still a good showing for Zaragosa, who played just his fourth tournament since being downed by drink poisoning in January.
The 5-foot wonder from Canlubang will play again today as he opens defense of his Philippine Junior Amateur (Closed) crown at Alabang Golf Club against an all-Filipino field in another event in the NGAP-Globe Amateur circuit backed by Pancake House, Titleist and Golf Depot.
“He (Zaragosa) is feeling a lot stronger now and he is ready for the challenge,” father-coach Boyet told the Inquirer.
Pamela Mariano, the top women’s seed, was taken to two extra holes by veteran Eva Miñoza before prevailing while Joel Yamyamin routed Alimar Etrone in the mid-am final, 6 and 4.