Palanca ends Dy's jungolf nine-win run

MANILA, Philippines - Carlos Philippe Palanca ended the winning streak of Jed Dy by winning the boys 7-8 years crown via the countback in the recent fifth leg of the ICTSI Jungolf Summer Circuit at the Sherwood Hills Golf Club in Trece Martires, Cavite.

Dy’s ambitious bid of playing in a higher division proved costly as the loss marked the end of a nine-tournament streak this season. He actually tied Palanca, the reigning European US Kids World champion, at 158 for 36 holes but lost in the tiebreaker.

The six-year-old Dy could have easily ruled the boys 6-under class won by Leandro Bagtas, son of former professional standout Eddie, who totaled 203.

Sharing the limelight with Palanca and Bagtas were Gabby Manotoc, Mia Legaspi and Alex Delfin Trinos who turned back Korean foes in ruling their respective divisions. Manotoc (166) beat Min Sang-kim by three in Class B, Legaspi (148) also prevailed by the same margin in Class C and Trinos (165) nipped Min Ung-park by one in Class D.

However, Korean boys Sung Han-yoon and Kyu Ha-park got the better of their local rivals by winning the boys Class A and B titles of the tourney also supported by Philippine Airlines, Pancake House Group, Teriyaki Boy and Sizzling Pepper as major sponsors. The other sponsors are Dynamic Sports and Leisure Corp., McDonald’s, Smart, Golf Depot, Unilever and Pioneer Insurance.

Princess Superal avenged her defeat to Daniella Uy two weeks earlier with a one-stroke win in girls Class B while Sam Bruce (Class D), Bea Floro (Class E) and Arnie Taguines (Class F) completed the winners roster in the girls side.

Gallardo plays in Class A while Quiban sees action in Class B against a horde of Korean youngsters in a short 36-hole competition at the challenging Jack Nicklaus-designed layout which drew 70 junior players.

Meanwhile, the nine-player RP squad playing in the Asia-Pacific junior championships leaves tomorrow for Bangalore, India.

Jungolf chairman Gerry Handog heads the delegation. The other players are Eric Gallardo, Justin Quiban, Jobim Carlos, Gio Gandionco, Rupert Saragoza, Gabriel Manotoc, Sarah Jane Ababa, Andie Unson and Daniella Uy.