Junior golfers brace for JPGT Pradera challenge

Some of the key players in the upcoming ICTSI Junior Philippine Golf Tour Luzon (JPGT) Luzon Series 2. –HANDOUT PHOTO

All but one of the six players are set to defend their titles in their respective age-group categories as the ICTSI Junior Philippine Golf Tour Luzon (JPGT) Luzon Series 2 resumes on Tuesday at Pradera Verde Golf and Country Club in Lubao, Pampanga.

Maurysse Abalos and Ryuji Suzuki, who secured victories in contrasting styles in the 8-10 class during the circuit’s kickoff leg at Splendido Taal two weeks ago, are back in pursuit of consecutive championships.

Abalos will face new challengers Georgina Handog, Mavis Espedido and Amiya Tablac, while Lily Agamata aims to improve on her fourth-place finish from the first leg.

READ: Vito Sarines JPGT triumph surprises even himself

Suzuki, meanwhile, anticipates tougher competition from Vince Tablac, Theodore Rios, Monte Andaman and Zoji Edoc, while Jose Luis Espinosa and Michael Ray Hortel II will try to bounce back from close defeats at Splendido in the 36-hole competition.

Precious Zaragosa and Vito Sarines will attempt to replicate their triumphs in the 11-14 category, which is spread over 54 holes. Zaragosa is gearing up for a strong challenge from twins Mona and Lisa Sarines, as well as Levonne Talion, Ayesha Salino, Beatriz Lapuz and Althea Bañez.

Vito Sarines, who rallied from an 8-stroke deficit to edge out Race Manhit by one stroke at Splendido, targets a strong start but is aware of the formidable competition.

READ: Precious Zaragosa scores first career ace, shares JPGT lead

Focus will also be on the 72-hole 15-18 division with Reese Ng, a veteran of numerous international competitions, ready to foil Jiwon Lee’s back-to-back title bid in the girls’ category that also features Series I runner-up Lia Duque, Rafa Anciano, Maria Monserrat Lapuz and Angelica Bañez.

In the boys’ division, Shinichi Suzuki, a key player for Manila Southwoods in club tournaments, is expected to be a major contender.

The organizing Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. said it is closely monitoring the weather conditions due to Typhoon Aghon. The decision regarding whether to proceed with or postpone the JPGT Pradera Verde tournament will be made by Monday, 11 am.