Pagunsan heads Zamboanga field

Juvic Pagunsan, fresh from a come-from-behind victory at Riviera Golf and Country Club last week, headlines the field in the SAFTI Zamboanga pro golf tournament starting Wednesday in Zamboanga City.

The 44-year-old Japan Golf Tour veteran forms a marquee flight on the first tee at 8:30 a.m. with the legendary Frankie Minoza and Philippine Masters champion Jerson Balasabas at the Zamboanga Golf and Beach Park.

Pagunsan edged Tony Lascuña in the first extra hole to win the ICTSI Riviera Championship last Friday.

Lascuña is skipping the 36-hole tournament that offers a total purse of P500,000.

Michael Bibat, the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Aoki champion, returns to action in the company of hometown bet Mhark Fernando and former Philippine Open winner Robert Pactolerin at 8:20 a.m. on the first hole.

Zanieboy Gialon, who won at Caliraya Springs last April, is paired with Rico Depilo and Erwin Arcillas at 7:50 a.m. also on hole No. 1

Other prominent pros in the field are Rupert Zaragosa, Jhonnel Ababa, Jeonard Rates, Elmer Salvador, Marvin Dumandan, Rufino Bayron, Ferdie Aunzo, Jay Bayron and Orlan Sumcad.

Two women pros — Eva Minoza and Nicole Fleetwood — also signed up for the tournament.

The second round will be played Thursday at the Edwin Andrews Air Force Base golf course.

All players will be allowed to ride a cart.

The event will precede a two-day, P1 million pro-am event on Friday.