Southwoods wins Fil title; Eastridge takes Am crown

BAGUIO, Philippines — Manila Southwoods-1, with all guns blazing, collected a record ninth straight win in the Fil Championship division at the close of the 73rd Januarius Fil Am Men’s Invitational yesterday.

Junior golfer Shinichi Suzuki shot an eagle and a birdie to start his final round then rounded out with four birdies to offset a lone bogey for a total of 40 points.

Southwoods pooled 142 counting Ryan Monsalve’s 36, Paolo Wong’s 34 and Aidric Chan’s 32 bringing their four-day tally to 523.

“The boys did not give up and patiently waited for the right time to strike. They deserved this one,” said Southwoods skipper Thirdy Escaño, whose wards trailed most of the week before a winning assault in the final round.

Eastridge-1 assembled 136 for 515 while Januarius Private Equity-1, which led for two rounds, finished third with 507 after posting 130 at the Camp John Hay Golf Club.

“We gave it our best shot,” said team manager Paolo Cagalingan of Januarius.

In the Am-Championship, Eastridge-2 waltzed to its maiden victory in the Fil Am with a huge 46-point triumph over Manila Southwoods-2 at the Baguio Country Club.

Jhondie Quibol paced with 33 for Eastridge-2’s 119 output. Other scorers were Zeus Sara 30, Richard Joson 29 and Demi Sanchez 27.

“Our Am team played very well again, a mission accomplished for us,” said Eastridge GM Gimo Asunción.