Batican, Gan sisters lead JGFP winners

MANILA, Philippines — Hometown bet Ralph Rian Batican and Davao leg champions Nicole and Stephanie Gan, Lucas de Guzman and Brianna Macasaet led the winners in the second Mindanao meet of the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines (JGFP) Pueblo de Oro Junior Open yesterday at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country here.

Batican fired a five-under par 67 in the final round for a total of 135 to win the 9-10 boys category by 18 strokes over Davao champion Jared Saban.

Meanwhile, the Gan sisters and De Guzman made it back-to-back following wins at Apo golf early this month. Nicole Gan ruled the 11-12 girls with a 78-154, Stephanie Gan topped the 6-under girls (173) while De Guzman reigned in 6-under boys (153)

Macasaet assembled a 75-156 to top the 7-8 girls category in this event backed by John Gaisano, Gaisano Malls, Islandwide Distribution Corp. and Pueblo Golf.

“After our event in Davao City, it was another successful tournament in Cagayan de Oro, which showed in the turnout and the performances of our young golfers,” said JGFP president Oliver Gan, who expressed gratitude to CDO junior golf chairman Ronnie Canlas and Pueblo general manager Gilby Velez for making the event possible.

Also scoring a win in the event was Alethea Gaccion, who buried an eight-foot birdie putt to beat Kiara Montebon in the fourth-hole playoff to rule the 15-18 girls. Both players ended up with 141 with Gaccion shooting a 68 and Montebon scoring a 66 — the tournament’s best round.

Jacob Gomez won the boys’ 11-12, Gunnar Lucas Velez ruled the boys’ 7-8, Zero Plete dominated the girls’ 13-14, Brittany Tamayo bagged the girls’ 11-12 title, and Clement Ordeneza emerged on top in the boys’ 13-14.

Korean Youngdu Cho won the 15-18 boys’ on 143 after rounds of 71 and 72, while Rex Zaragosa climbed to second place on 145 following a 69. Cliff Richard Nuneza posted the best 36-hole score but was disqualified for signing the wrong scorecard.