Pint-size lefty makes RP proud, rules World

SAN DIEGO — JR Gonzales delivered the victory Dottie Ardina and Janella Buen failed to achieve for the Philippines, outduelling local boy Ben Doyle for the boys 9-10 years in the Callaway Junior World golf championships Thursday (Friday in Manila) at the Singing Hills-Pine Glen course here.

Gonzales riddled the course for five birdies en route to a four-under-par 55 to beat Doyle, the overwhelming favorite, by three strokes with a 54-hole aggregate of 168 in a scintillating triumph that ended the country’s 14-year title drought in the boys division.

The 10-year-old lefty led by three after 11 holes but it was a pressure-packed par save from the 15th and a spectacular tee-shot on the 17th that came within two feet that sealed the doom of the challenger from San Diego.

Doyle, the two-day leader who enjoyed such media hype no one was deemed capable of beating him, ended up second with just a 58 for 171.

Ardina and Buen both ran out of luck and settle for the runner-up trophy in the girls competitions and denied Team Philippines what could have been its first double win since Carito Villaroman and Ramon Brobio won the 15-17 years and 13-14 years division in 1985.

Back-to-back three-putt bogeys on the 15th and 16th sealed the doom of Ardina who wound up second behind Korean American Allison Lee in the girls 9-10 years division play at the Reidy Creek course.

Ardina, winner of the 8-and-under crown two years ago, scored 62-129 and lost by one as Lee, who was tied for the lead with the RP bet after two rounds, fired a 61 to escape with a one-stroke win.

Buen proved no match against the bigger Allisen Corpuz of Hawaii in their showdown for the girls 6 years and under title at the pitch and putt Presidio Hills course.

Corpuz, who was already up by three right on the first two holes, wound up at 66-203 while Buen ended way behind at 73-210 in a tie with Yulie Koshino of Nevada (210). Abby Arevalo placed fourth at 74-220.

"I know he (Doyle) was good but I kept telling myself I can beat him. I just tried to hit the greens and sink the putts," said Gonzales, who started playing when he was four.

JR’s father Raymund praised his son for not bowing to pressure especially after Doyle came to within one after a near hole-in-one on the 15th.

"He stayed cool and I was not. It was such a tense situation I can’t believe the way he handled it," said the elder Gonzales.

Justin Dy checked in third in the boys 6 years and under and Miguel Tabuena settled for 13th in the boys to complete a rousing finish for the RP team sponsored by Smart Kid, Samsung, Callaway and Manila Southwoods.

Dy had 61-186 to end up five shots off eventual winner Saheeth Theegala of Chino Hills while Tabuena posted 59-178 and tied for 11th.

The other RP finishers: Ma-an Legaspi (72-201) 16th in girls 9-10; Wolen Superal (64-191) tied for 8th in boys 11-12; Cyna Marie Rodriguez (65-197) tied for 13th in girls 11-12; Debbie de Villa (76-230) 23rd and Crystal Superal (83-236) 32nd in girls 13-14; Miko Yee (72-202) 26th in boys 13-14.

Jungolf president Luigi Tabuena praised the team for the impressive showing and vowed to continue the development program that has also produced an LPGA champion like Jenny Rosales.