Sarines, Chan keep streaks going with Luisita triumphs

Promising young talent, Aerin Chan prevailed in the girls’ division of the ICTSI Junior PGT at Luisita.–CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

Vito Sarines displayed resilience way beyond his youth on Wednesday, shooting a one-under-par 71 to complete a rally from five shots down and win the ICTSI Junior PGT’s stop at Luisita, where another promising young talent, Aerin Chan, also prevailed in the girls’ division, but with a lot to spare.

Sarines birdied two holes on his back side stint to tally a 36-hole 148 and edge out Race Manhit and Ryuji Suzuki by two shots even as Chan, a daughter of PBA and Gilas long-range shooter Jeff, closed out with a 77 to win the 10-12 division by nine shots over Quincy Pilac.

Sarines has now won the last three legs of the boys’ 10-12, while Chan the last two, and both solidified their rankings for the National Match Play finals slated at The Country Club in Laguna from Oct. 1-4.

READ: Sarines siblings sweep JPGT 11-14 crowns at Pinewoods

Manhit returned a 75, while Suzuki, whose older brother, 16-year-old Shin Suzuki, is being considered for inclusion in the International Team for the junior President’s Cup, submitted a 77.

“I played well and had a strong feeling that I could shoot low (in the final round) because my approach shots and putting were on point,” said 12-year-old Sarines, who is being coached by former PH Am champion Jun Bernis.

The 11-year-old Chan, who is under the tutelage of swing coach Bong Lopez at Manila Southwoods, finished with a 157 total as Pilac, who was also second to Chan at Riviera, closed out with an 83 for 166, while Althea Bañez rounded out the top three after an 83 for 177.

“Although I faced some challenges and felt nervous on certain holes, I played better today compared to yesterday,” said Chan, a Saint Pedro Poveda student. “I had to adjust my play on the greens, which were difficult in the first round.”

In the 13-15 division, Jakob Taruc fired a 75 for 148 to extend his lead over Paul Agustin Jr., who shot a 76, to eight strokes.

READ: Vito Sarines’ JPGT triumph surprises even himself

Precious Zaragosa, meanwhile, slowed down somewhat with a 76 but still remained five shots ahead of Mona Sarines, who fired a 70.

In the girls’ 8-9 category, Venus delos Santos delivered a stellar performance to secure a decisive victory in the 36-hole competition. With a remarkable 76 in the final round, she finished with a total score of 156 for a 13-shot win over Athena Serapio.

The girls’ centerpiece 16-18 class had Lia Duque extending her overnight lead to 13 strokes despite a day-long struggle with her irons, shooting an 85 for a 162 as Rafa Anciano slipped with an 89.