Balangauan, Go share lead

MANILA, Philippines — Local standouts Niña Balangauan and Lois Laine Go carded identical five-over 73s under sweltering conditions to share the top spot in the girls’ 15-18 category in the ICTSI Mactan Island Junior PGT Championship kickoff yesterday

Balangauan, 15, relied on a blazing birdie run from No. 15 for an impressive 31 on the back nine, only to struggle with a bogey-filled 42 on the front.

“This course is unpredictable – short but tricky,” said the St. Benedict Childhood Education Center student. “I need to rehydrate, rest well and do my best (today). No expectations – just focus shot by shot.”

Go, meanwhile, credited her putting for keeping her in contention in the 54-hole tourney serving as the kickoff leg of the seven-stage Visayas-Mindanao series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

“My putting really saved my day,” said the youngest of the three golf-playing Go siblings. “My plan is simple – hit the fairways, reach the greens and make putts.”

Davao’s Precious Zaragosa posted a 78 in her transition to the top division, trailing the co-leaders by five, while Bukidnon’s Crista Miñoza followed at 79, and Cebu’s Apple Gotiong opened with an 83.

In boys’ 15-18, Bukidnon’s Alexis Nailga drained a clutch birdie on No. 8 and benefited from Nyito Tiongko III’s bogey on the ninth to tie for the lead at 77.