Sarines, Padilla, Ng, Batican Lead in Uswing

Sarines, Padilla, Ng, Batican Lead in Uswing | Daily Tribune

SANTA ROSA, Laguna — Lisa Sarines showcased her nerves of steel, sinking a crucial putt on No. 8 in the final stretch to secure a two-stroke victory over Johanna Uyking in the Uswing Mojing Junior World Qualifying at The Country Club on Friday.

Sarines’ final-round 79 capped a dramatic, back-and-forth contest that saw both players battling for the top spot in the girls’ 13-14 division.

The wind-swept course tested both competitors’ skills, with the lead shifting multiple times. Uyking’s birdie on No. 7 pulled her even with Sarines at 16-over overall, setting up a high-stakes showdown at the pivotal par-5 No. 8 — a hole Uyking had birdied in the first two rounds. However, Sarines capitalized, hitting a superb approach shot while Uyking missed a key putt. Sarines held onto a one-stroke advantage and secured the win with a par on the ninth, finishing with a total of 232.

Uyking finished with an 82, ending at 234, while Mona Sarines and Precious Zaragosa rounded out the top four. Their performances earned them spots in the Junior World Championships in San Diego this July, though only the division winners received free airfare to the event. Mona Sarines shot a 78 to finish with 242, and Zaragosa ended with 251 after an 85.

In the boys’ 15-18 division, Tristan Padilla emerged victorious after a dramatic sudden-death playoff against Shinichi Suzuki. Despite holding a five-stroke lead going into the final round, Padilla struggled with an 83, allowing Suzuki, who shot a 78, to force a tie at 235. In the playoff, Padilla clinched the title with a routine par from six feet on No. 18, while Suzuki missed his par attempt from long range. Patrick Tambalque and Emilio Hernandez secured the final two Junior World spots after finishing tied for third at 240.

Reese Ng won the girls’ 15-18 category by four strokes, finishing with a 240 total after an 80. Ng, who had a two-shot lead entering the final round, fended off a challenge from Alessandra Luciano, who struggled with a back-nine 42. Despite a double bogey on the par-3 third, Ng regained control, securing the victory. Luciano finished second with 244, followed by Anya Cedo in third at 246. Ally Gaccion claimed the fourth spot with a 247, earning the final Junior World berth.

The tournament, supported by the National Golf Association, MVP Sports Foundation, The Country Club, ICTSI, PLDT, and the Junior PGT, provided a crucial test for young golfers ahead of the 15-leg Junior PGT season starting next month at Eagle Ridge. In addition to championship berths, the event awarded valuable World Amateur Golf Ranking (WAGR) points.

Ralph Batican triumphed in the boys’ 13-14 division, winning by 11 strokes with a 54-hole total of 238. Despite a final-round 83, Batican’s commanding 10-stroke lead from the previous day was insurmountable. Mico Ungco rallied with an 80 to finish as the runner-up at 249, while Zianbeau Edoc and David Teves finished third and fourth with totals of 251 and 252, respectively.