Suzuki hangs tough, nears Splendido title

LAUREL, Batangas — The race for supremacy in the 11-14 division of the ICTSI Splendido Taal Junior PGT Championship turned into a thrilling duel with early Luzon series winners clashing for top honors in blustery conditions here on Monday.

Ryuji Suzuki weathered two late bogeys but held his nerve to card a 77 at the up-and-down Splendido Taal Golf Club, seizing a slender one-shot lead over Vito Sarines in a gripping display of young golfing talent.

Suzuki, who dominated at Eagle Ridge where Sarines finished tied for third, seemed on track to build a commanding lead in the 36-hole tournament after shooting two birdies against two bogeys with three holes left coming in.

‘Anything can happen here, but I hope to hit a lot of fairways tomorrow (Tuesday). Because if you don’t, most likely you’ll end up with a bogey.’

However, bogeys on the seventh and ninth holes forced him to settle for a 37-40 round, keeping Sarines — who beat Suzuki by five shots at Sherwood Hills — well within striking distance after posting a 78, highlighted by two birdies on the back nine.

Jacob Casuga, who stayed close to the frontrunners early on, faltered with a frontside 42 for an 84, dropping seven shots behind Suzuki. Meanwhile, Matthias Espina and Ryuichi Tao turned in matching 86s, and Robert Coyiuto scored a 92.

Suzuki lamented his struggles on the greens, citing costly errors.

“I could’ve played better if not for two four-putts,” said Suzuki, who remains well-positioned for another leg win.

“Anything can happen here, but I hope to hit a lot of fairways tomorrow (Tuesday). Because if you don’t, most likely you’ll end up with a bogey,” he added.

The battle for the girls’ plum in the same age group also came down to a shootout as twin sisters Lisa and Mona Sarines turned in identical 78s with matching 38-40 nines to lead Alexie Gabi by five strokes.