(UPDATE) ZACH Guico and Andrea Dee delivered commanding performances in the youngest division, highlighting a string of dominant victories in the ICTSI Summit Point Junior PGT Championship in Lipa City, Batangas, on Wednesday.
Guico stamped his class in his season debut, overcoming a closing 81 to secure a convincing five-shot victory in the boys' 7-10 division with a 151 total in the 36-hole tournament. The rising star from Quezon City built a solid cushion with a two-under 70 in the opening round, allowing him to play the final 18 holes without pressure.
Despite a spirited challenge from Zoji Edoc, who fired an eagle-aided frontside 37 to briefly threaten, Guico stayed composed and coasted to victory as Edoc faltered in the closing stretch under hot, windy conditions. He finished with an 80 for a 156, while Asher Abad placed third for the second straight leg with a 163 after a 78.
Dee, also from Quezon City, matched Guico's dominance on the girls' side, cruising to a similar five-shot triumph with a 160 after an 83. She thwarted the charge of Mount Malarayet leg winner Winter Serapio, who settled for second at 165 after an 82, while Jehanne Mendoza carded a second 84 for third at 168.
With Guico and Edoc — last year's Luzon series standouts — skipping the Mount Malarayet opener, their strong return here signals another intense rivalry heading into the next leg set April 28-30 at John Hay in Baguio.
In the 15-18 category, Rafael Leonio turned the boys' competition into a showcase of control, pulling away with a 73 for a 149 and building a commanding six-stroke margin heading to the final round of the 54-hole tournament. Taeyang Yun dropped back to 155 after a 77, while Bien Fajardo trailed further at 162 after an 80.
In JPGT Visayas-Mindanao Series, Tashanah Balangauan outlasted Dominique Gotiong in a gripping daylong duel of skill and composure, sealing a one-stroke victory in the premier 15-18 division of the ICTSI Alta Vista Junior PGT Championship on Wednesday in Cebu City.
