Juvic Pagunsan returns to ICTSI after first British Open stint

JUVIC Pagunsan, who learned a few new tricks while playing alongside some of the best in the game last week, tees it up at age-old Sta. Barbara today in the ICTSI Iloilo Challenge.

After finishing 72nd in the British Open and playing the final round with former US Open champion Retief Goosen of South Africa, Pagunsan makes an awaited return on the local tour and is labeled as the man to beat.

“I saw so many shots from him (Goosen) and he gave me some good advice,” Pagunsan said.

The players belonging to the Top 10 of the local Order of Merit race have all confirmed participation in the P1 million event, with Jonel Ababa seeking to repeat as champion.

Angelo Que is also in the fold seeking a first local win in two years, while Miguel Tabuena will be gunning for a third title as a rookie over the ravine-filled, 105-year-old layout considered as the oldest in the Far East.

Antonio Lascuña is the OOM frontrunner and will be coming off a second place finish in the rain-shortened Negros Occidental leg at Marapara two weeks ago.

The man who beat him in a one-hole playoff, Zannie Boy Gialon, is also entered and is considered a dangerous customer.

Former PH Open champion Elmer Salvador and Jay Bayron are the other big guns in the field as most are priming up for the Aboitiz leg in Cebu next month.  Musong R. Castillo