Agojo closes in on leader in world golf

San Diego, California – Petite Jayvee Agojo put some order on a day of shifting fortunes for the Philippines, firing a one-under par 71 at Singing Hills Oak Glen to come within a shot of the leader Wednesday in the 34th Junior World golf championship here.

Agojo, 14, a student at the OB Montessori in Greenhills, unleashed a near solid performance to allay fears she’s on the verge of burnout as she assembled a 144 card to trail leader Kimberly Silver (67-143) of Chula Vista going into the final round Thursday. Agojo is tied with Columbian Nathalia Jimenez.

That kept alive the RP team’s bid to break a two-year title drought as the rest of the contingent struggled under ideal conditions save for the tiny Jobim Carlos in the 6-8 division.

Carlos submitted another six-over par 60 and easily made the cut at 120 although he trailed the pacesetting Patrick Grimes (108) by 12 shots.

Two others made the cut in their respective divisions but they also reeled from double-digit deficits with only a day left in their side of the tournament. Tonton Asistio put in another 65 for 135, good for a tie at 23rd, 10 shots off the pace in the 11-12 and Lawrence Negrido held on to a 76 following a poor start for 153 and 33rd berth in the 13-14.

Even former national amateur champion Artemio Murakami hobbled to a six-over 78 at the Torrey Pines North, his day ruined by five three-putts, for 151 and later admitted he faces a mountain of a task to shoot a subpar and qualify for the final day Thursday. Anthony Kim of Studio City led the 15-17 at 137.

But thank God for a pretty little girl, the Philippines is still on track on its bid to end the title slump since Dorothy Delasin won here in 1998.

Agojo, who went cross-country the past three weeks in search of tournaments and credentials, nullified the effect of three bogeys by firing four birdies, the last on the 18th from eight feet to be in serious contention for the crown.

"Malakas ang tsamba," she said in jest." I’m happy with my game and I will try my best."

Only Carlos survived at Presidio. Dottie Ardina limped home to a 71 for 137, Angela De Villa a 79 for 160 and Joshua Uy a 71-139.