Gabriel Manotoc put up a dominating performance yesterday, posting an upset 2-up victory over No. 2 seed Iñigo Raymundo to reach the Final Four of the NGAP-Globe circuit’s Philippine Amateur Junior (Closed) championship at the Alabang Golf Club.
The 14-year-old Manotoc, the seventh seed, trailed Raymundo after the first hole before playing with sustained brilliance the rest of the way to set up a semifinal clash with close friend and defending champion Rupert Zaragosa, a 4-and-3 winner over Ramir Roque.
Top-seeded Basti Lorenzo and No. 4 Andres Saldaña forged the other semifinal clash for a berth in the title match after bundling out Ryu Yazuma, 4 and 3, and Miguel Shah, 2 and 1, in the event also backed by Pancake House, Titleist and Golf Depot.
Manotoc and Zaragosa, who both play for multititled Canlubang in the PAL Interclub, will clash in match play for the first time in their careers, even though both practice a lot together in Laguna.
After going two holes down on the 15th, Raymundo’s remaining hopes of extending the match were dashed after Manotoc hit his third shot from 40 yards to a “gimme” distance on the par-5 18th hole.
Girl’s Group 1 top seed Mia Legaspi advanced to the final four with ease after a 7-and-5 win over Sam Martirez.
Legaspi will next tackle Gabrielle Bruce, who pounded out a 1-up win over Bianca Pagdanganan, even as Chanelle Avaricio and Daniella Uy set up the other semifinal duel by turning back separate foes.
Avaricio, the second seed, posted a 3 and 2 win over Dana Gonzales, while Uy was extended to an extra hole by Marvi Monsalve.