Zaragosa seizes No. 1 seed

Rupert Zaragosa boosted his stock as tournament favorite going into the knockout phase after shooting a 69 in the 36-hole stroke play classification round to grab the top seed from Jolo Magcalayo in the Philippine Amateur Open Match Play Golf Championship at Orchard Golf and Country Club in Dasmariñas, Cavite, Tuesday.

Zaragosa, who dropped a 3-and-2 decision to Noel Langamin in last year’s finals, hit three birdies in another scorching but windy day to string a 35-34 card for a 142 aggregate, one ahead of Magcalayo, who slowed down with a 72 after a 71 for a 143.

Luis Castro placed third at 145 after a 72 while Langamin rebounded from a 78 with a 70 to snare fourth place at 148 with Jonas Magcalayo and Carlo Villaroman taking the next two spots with 152s after a 76 and 77, respectively, and Aniceto Mandanas and Kristoffer Arevalo winding up with 153s after identical 80s.

Yuka Saso, on the other hand, took the top seeding in women’s play with a second straight 74 for a 148 while erstwhile co-leader Harmie Constantino settled for No. 2 at 149 after a 75.

Sophia Blanco gained No. 3 with a 158 after an 80 while Kayla Nocum and Korean Kim Hui Won finished with 159s after identical 79s.

Zaragosa steps up his title drive beginning at 6:30 a.m. Wednesday as he takes on No. 32 Alexi Garzon in the event sponsored by the MVP Sports Foundation.