Uyking seizes lead with eagle; Batican up by 3

STA. ROSA, Laguna — Johanna Uyking made a remarkable eagle on No. 18 to close a thrilling round, seizing the lead in the girls’ 13-14 division of the USwing Mojing Junior World Qualifying at The Country Club on Wednesday.

Uyking carded a 77 despite tough windy conditions, securing a two-shot lead over Precious Zaragosa, who finished with a 79 after a late stumble. The highlight of Uyking’s round was a 3-wood approach on the par-4 18th that found the hole for an eagle-2.

“I drove the ball pretty straight today, which helped a lot,” said the 13-year-old from Davao Christian High School.

Though her round was marred by six bogeys and a double on the par-4 fourth, a birdie on No. 8 and her spectacular eagle put her ahead.

Zaragosa also managed an eagle on No. 8 but struggled with bogeys on the front nine, ending two shots behind Uyking.

Twins Lisa and Mona Sarines stayed close with rounds of 80 and 82, while Kendra Garingalao and Tiffany Bernardino had a tough day with 89 and 94, respectively.

In the boys’ 13-14 category, Ralph Batican fired a steady 77 to take a three-shot lead over David Teves (80).

In the 15-18 boys’ division, Emilio Hernandez shot a 75 to lead by two strokes over Patrick Tambalque (77), while Shinichi Suzuki and Jose Carlos Taruc followed with 78s.

Alessandra Luciano, despite a shaky front nine, carded a 79 to lead the girls’ 15-18 division by two shots over Tashanah Balangauan (81).

With four spots for the Junior World Championship in San Diego this July up for grabs, the competition remains fierce. Only the top 10 players in each division will advance to the final round after a cut is made following 36 holes.