Duque, Tambalque pound JPGT Malarayat field

MANILA, Philippines — Lia Duque and Patrick Tambalque delivered commanding performances to claim victory in the premier 16-18 category of the ICTSI Junior PGT Series 6, all but sealing their spots in next month’s Match Play Championship.

Duque mirrored her dominant triumph over Chloe Rada at Luisita two weeks ago, securing another wire-to-wire win despite posting her tournament-worst score of eight-over 80 in the final round.

The tournament, shortened to 54 holes after the first-round cancellation due to adverse weather at the Mount Malarayat composite course, still saw Duque maintain a huge lead throughout.

Holding a 19-stroke advantage over Rafa Anciano heading into the final round, Duque’s total of 231 left her 29 shots clear of her nearest rival. Anciano, the Pinewoods leg champion, stumbled with a 90 to finish at 260, while Rada carded a 92 to claim third place at 268.

On the boys’ side, Tambalque virtually secured his Match Play spot with an emphatic 15-shot victory over Rafael Mañaol. Tambalque posted an impressive even-par 72 in challenging conditions, finishing with a two-over 218 total over 54 holes.