JPGT Finals race intensifies

The pressure is on as the race for national berths in the ICTSI Junior PGT Elite Junior Finals heats up in the fourth leg of the Luzon Series, teeing off on Wednesday at the Caliraya Springs Golf and Country Club in Laguna.

It’s going to be a grind-out battle among elite junior golfers vying for ranking points and division titles in the ICTSI Caliraya Springs Juniors PGT Championship — part of the nationwide series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. (PGTI).

Expects fireworks in the stacked boys’ 15-18 division with Patrick Tambalque, fresh off a conquest in the Sherwood leg, taking on a powerhouse field that includes Zachary Villaroman, John Paul Agustin, Geoffrey Tan and Enzo Chan, along with promising newcomers Kristoffer Nadales, Nathan Belandres and Vincent Ilagan.

Meanwhile, the girls’ premier division is set for another dramatic showdown.

Levonne Talion and Rafa Anciano, fierce rivals throughout the season, are locked in a gripping battle for dominance.

Talion staged a sensational eight-stroke comeback to edge Anciano in a sudden-death thriller at Eagle Ridge in April, but Anciano bounced back with strong performances at Sherwood Hills and a dominant win at Splendido Taal – where Talion was absent — making her the frontrunner heading into Caliraya.

The boys’ 11-14 division also promises tight competition with Race Manhit, Jacob Casuga, Inigo Gallardo, Jose Luis Espinosa and Matthias Espina poised for a close fight. On the girls’ side, expect an exciting clash featuring Alexie Gabi, Kelsey Bernardino, Eliana Dumalaog, Annika Abad and Kendra Garingalao.

In the youngest age group (7-10), Winter Serapio aims to finally clinch her first title after finishing third at Sherwood and runner-up at Splendido. She’ll need to overcome tough competition from Tyly Bernardino, Tyra Garingalao and Penelope Sy, who’s also chasing a breakthrough after back-to-back third-place finishes.

On the boys’ side, two-leg winner Zach Guico seeks to complete a hat trick as he fends off challenges from Asher Abad, Kenzo Tan, Alexian Ching and Connor Sy.