Japanese ace opens S’woods interclub bid

Yuto Katsuragawa comes out for Manila Southwoods’ opening five on Wednesday in Cebu as the Carmona-based squad shoots for its place among the immortals in the Philippine Airlines Interclub Championship.

Now a member of the Japan national team, the reedy teen has been a familiar fixture in the last four Southwoods squads as the team tries to equal what only Canlubang has pulled off in what is regarded as the country’s unofficial team championship—win it a fifth straight time.

Action will be at exclusive Cebu Country Club, a tree-lined gem that has been whipped to perfect shape and which will determine which club will rule this year’s wars.

Luisita is out to spoil the Southwoods party with a team led by Rupert Zaragosa.

“I will make my decision tonight (Tuesday),” non-playing Southwoods skipper Thirdy Escano said. “But definitely, Yuto will be the first round anchor.”