Lia Duque opens imposing nine-shot lead at JPGT Luisita

Lia Duque in action at the ICTSI JPGT Luzon Series 5 at Luisita Golf and Country Club. –HANDOUT PHOTO

The seasoned Lia Duque thrived under searing heat in shooting a five-over-par 77 to open up a nine-shot lead over Rafa Anciano after the opening round of the centerpiece 16-18 girls’ division of the ICTSI JPGT Luzon Series 5 at Luisita Golf and Country Club in Tarlac on Tuesday.

Playing out of Manila Southwoods and a campaigner in big events here and in the United States, Duque spiked her round with birdies at Nos. 12 and 15 that underscored her favorite’s status as she makes a bid to enter the national match play finals set early in October at The Country Club in Laguna.

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“The tournaments in the US were beneficial for general practice,” said Duque, a 16-year-old from Cavite.

“The fairways there are similar in length, though the grass and weather differ. Overall, the experience helped me prepare for this tournament.” Anciano, the Pinewoods leg winner, fired an 86 with Chloe Rada and Angelica Bañez trailing another five and nine strokes, respectively.

In the boys’ 16-18 category, Mark Kobayashi shot a 75 for a three-shot lead over Sebastian Sajuela, who birdied the final hole to end with a 78.

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Zach Villaroman faltered with an 81 after a remarkable frontside 37, while Francis Slavin and Rafael Mañaol matched 82s. Aerin Chan led the girls’ 10-12 division with an 80, three strokes ahead of Quincy Pilac (83), while Georgina Handog shot a 90, even as Precious Zaragosa fired a 72 for a four-stroke lead in the girls’ 13-15.
In the boys’ 8-9 division, Isonn Angheng shot an 80 to lead Zoji Edoc by 10 shots.

Venus delos Santos led the girls’ youngest category with an 80, four shots ahead of Athena Serapio, while Mindanao series finalist Mavis Espedido scored a 91.