Suzuki, Zaragosa take early command at JPGT Sherwood Hills

Ryuki Suzuki.–PGT PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines–Ryuki Suzuki fired a two-over-par 74 on Tuesday and the Filipino-Japanese seized a four-shot lead over South Korea’s Chan Ahn in the boys’ 10-12 division of the ICTSI Junior PGT Luzon Series at windswept Sherwood Hills in Trece Martirez, Cavite.

With almost everyone chasing valuable points to qualify for the season-ending National Match Play Championship next month, Suzuki turned up the heat even as Precious Zaragosa fired a 79 to take a one-shot lead over Kendra Garingalao in the girls’ 13-15 division.

“I haven’t played this course for over a year, so I felt really good to have shot two-over,” said Suzuki, a 10-year-old from St. Francis of Assisi playing out of Manila Southwoods like older brother Shin Suzuki, a world-rated amateur who is trying to make the International team of the amateur Presidents Cup.

READ: Precious Zaragosa eyes strong comeback at JPGT Sherwood

While Suzuki is already assured of a finals slot, Zaragosa is looking to solidify her hold of No. 3 spot with a victory.

Zaragosa’s main competitors, twin sisters Lisa and Mona Sarines, are 1-2 in the race with 50 and 48 points, respectively with Zaragosa having 46 points coming into the final leg of the series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Precious Zaragosa.–PGT PHOTO

Montserrat Lapuz (36 points) and Garingalao (28 points) are still in contention with strong finishes in the final two rounds of the 54-hole tournament needed by both.

READ: John Paul Agustin Jr. wins boys’ 13-15 crown at JPGT Malarayat

“My long game was off, but I made up for it with decent putting,” said the 13-year-old Zaragosa. “The course is tough, especially the greens, which are very unpredictable and it was also pretty hot.”

The finals will be held at The Country Club in Laguna in the first week of October. The course remains to be one of the toughest in the country because of its length and conditions, where windy conditions are prevalent basically late in the year.

Meanwhile, in the youngest division (8-9), Zoji Edoc shot an impressive 78 to lead by nine strokes over fellow finalist Isonn Angheng in the boys’ side, while Venus delos Santos posted a stellar 74 to lead by five over Eliana Mendoza, with Athena Serapio trailing by seven after an 81.