Agojo class above her class at Temecula

TEMECULA — Jayvie Agojo of the Philippines survived the challenge of a pesky local girl in a thrilling down-the-wire duel to become the first player to win the girls Class B three years in a row in the Temecula International junior golf championships on Friday (Saturday in Manila).

Displaying superb poise under pressure, the 15-year-old Agojo - carrying the banner of Philippine Airlines and OB Montessori - frustrated San Diego native Meranie Jaslowski with a two-shot swing on the final hole for yet another international feather to her already decorated cap.

Agojo’s proud father Jun was joined by the other members of the small Philippine contingent in a merrymaking at greenside of the Menefee Lakes’ 18th hole after Jayvie completed the nerve-wracking wire-to-wire victory.

Agojo, who carded a 73 at the Menifee Lakes course which was one of the three used for the event, and Jaslowski (75) went into the 18th all tied up. As the RP bet hit the green in regulation, the final hole heartaches of Jaslowski started when she hit her approach into the bunker.

Jaslowski threw everything away after she stayed on the trap with her third shot and Agojo simply two-putted for the win. Jayvie wound up with a 223 total against the 225 of Meranie.

Tonlits Asistio, meanwhile, closed out with a 74 and finished a far second in the boys Class B. Miko Yee tallied a 77 for fourth place while Mikee Camitoc scored an 81. Linell de Villa ended her campaign with an 87.

The Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines bets head to San Diego next for the Callaway Junior World championships where they will be joined by the bulk of the contingent.

The parade is set for Sunday (Monday in Manila) at the Torrey Pines grounds where the Philippine flag will be raised along with those of the rest of the record 45 other countries competing.

Competitions in five different age-groups will start Tuesday with Monday scheduled as the official practice round.