Hot Plete finish good for two-shot Davao lead

Zero Plete: Two back nine bogeys. —CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Zero Plete bounced back from a lethargic start with a strong frontside finish to rescue a nine-over-par 81 and take a two-shot lead over Rose Wacan at the start of the girls’ 13-15 play in the ICTSI JPGT Mindanao Series 2 at South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates in Davao on Tuesday.

Plete got off to a wobbly start on the back nine, shooting three straight double bogeys from No. 12, before coming home with a 38 that showed some maturity to her game.

“I want to make up for that (in the second round),” said Plete as she tries to fend off Wacan and Johanna Uyking, who shot an 84. “I’ll just take it shot-by-shot and not overthink. I will just try to have fun, and if I win, that would be a bonus.”

Meanwhile, three players from Del Monte made good on their vows to dominate the series ahead of their hosting of the third stop next week. The Batican siblings, Ralph and Rafella, took charge in the 10-12 division, and Alexis Nailga secured the lead in the boys’ 13-15 division of the event organized by the Philippine Golf Tour.

Ralph fired a 73 to lead Jared Saban by two shots, while Rafella signed for a 76 to also post a two-shot lead over Kimberly Barroquillo.

Kelsey Bernardino lost an impressive three-birdie, one-bogey card effort on the front nine, coming home with a 45 to be three strokes behind Rafella after a 79.

The last 18 holes are expected to be a thrilling final round as Davelyn Dy stayed within striking distance despite an 80.