Zaragosa, Torralba top classification

TITLE-FAVORITE Rupert Zaragosa topped classification despite closing with a two-over-par 74 yesterday, drawing 32nd-ranked Eric Gallardo at the start today of the knockout stages of the Philippine Amateur Open match play championship.

Tom Kim of South Korea, the winner of the junior stroke play title two weeks ago, placed second after carding a 71 at Orchard in Dasmariñas, Cavite. He clashes with Marc Corrales.

Kristine Torralba was the surprise women’s topnotcher despite an 82, and like the next four seeds, drew opening-round byes with only 11 players taking part and advancing.

Ryan Monsalve bagged third ranking and will play No. 30 GJ Katigbak, with club member Ace Stehmeier, a member of the Orchard team that ruled the PAL Interclub three years ago, finishing fourth.

Stehmeier battles No. 29 Takuya Kawamura of Japan.

Other notables who finished in the upper half of the draw were Japan’s Yuto Katsuragawa, the No. 6 seed who will battle Airon Sorino; No. 8 Lanz Uy of Luisita, who slugs it out with 25th-ranked Mark Lu; and Rolando Pila of Cebu, who finished 12th to earn a clash with No. 21 Aaron Dimabuyu.

An interesting matchup would be between No. 16 Ira Alido and 17th-seed Ivan Monsalve. Musong R. Castillo