Balangauan posts dominant victory

MACTAN Island — Tashanah Balangauan made a stunning debut in the ICTSI Junior PGT Championship, seizing the girls’ 15-18 division title with a dominant seven-stroke victory over Crista Miñoza in the kickoff leg of the Visayas-Mindanao Series at Mactan Island Golf Course.

The 15-year-old Cebuana quickly set the tone, firing consecutive rounds of 73 to establish a formidable seven-shot lead after 36 holes. Despite overcast skies and pressure in the final round, Balangauan stayed steady with a closing 78 to seal the crown with a 224 total.

Her impressive performance not only delivered her first JPGT title but also earned her 15 valuable ranking points, significantly boosting her bid for a spot in the North vs South Elite Junior Finals set for later this year.

“I’m happy and grateful to win my first JPGT tournament,” said the St. Benedict Childhood Education Center standout who recently recovered from a wrist injury. “This experience has taught me so much and showed me where I need to improve, especially in my putting.”

She admitted to struggling with her short game during the final round but credited her rigorous training and support system — her family, friends, and caddie Pato — for her success.

“After the second round, I had a big lead, but I made sure to stay focused and not let my guard down. Above all, I thank God for this opportunity and for helping me become the person I am today,” she added.

Precious Zaragosa came in second with a final-round 77 for a 231 total, while Crista Miñoza, who had been in close pursuit, slipped to third after carding an 80 for 233. Local bet Lois Laine Go placed fourth with a 79, finishing at 235.

In the boys’ 15-18 division, Mindanao’s Alexis Nailga of Bukidnon turned in a performance for the books, closing with a superb two-under-par 66 to rout Cebuano Nyito Tiongko by 10 strokes. Nailga completed his 54-hole stint with a 212 total, highlighted by a 69 in the second round that gave him a firm grip on the lead.

Despite a shaky start with a bogey on the opening hole, Nailga quickly recovered with birdies on Nos. 4 and 5, and capped his round with birdies on the 14th and 15th. Not even a double bogey on the 17th — caused by a downpour — could derail his victory march.

“I didn’t expect to win. I just focused on my game and played for the score I needed,” said the 15-year-old, who also credited his family and faith for their unwavering support.

Tiongko, who shared the opening-round lead with a 77 and posted a 74 in the second round, closed with a 71 to finish at 222. Zeus Suzara placed third with a 237 total after a 75.

Mindanao dominated the opener, bagging four division titles. Apart from Nailga, Bukidnon’s Ralph Batican (boys’ 11-14), South Cotabato’s Brittany Tamayo (girls’ 11-14), and Davao’s Ethan Lago (boys’ 7-10) also topped their divisions, underlining the region’s depth and preparedness.

Visayas, however, held its own with Balangauan’s and Denise Mendoza’s (girls’ 7-10) victories.

Balangauan at one point extended her lead to 12 strokes with a birdie on No. 8 in the final round, but faltered with three bogeys and a double bogey in the next six holes. Still, her rivals — Zaragosa, Miñoza and Go — couldn’t mount a serious challenge.

The series, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc., resumes 14 to 16 May at Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club, followed by a 19 to 21 May leg in Bacolod. The Mindanao swing opens 25 to 27 June at Del Monte Golf Club in Bukidnon.

To qualify for the national finals, players must participate in at least three tournaments. The top four competitors in each age group will form the Vis-Min team to face Luzon’s best in the season-ending championship on 30 September to 2 October at The Country Club in Laguna.