In-form Juvic seeks 3rd win at Del Monte

MANILA, Philippines - Juvic Pagunsan tries to extend his domination of the ICTSI-Philippine Golf Tour to Bukidnon as he sets out for another win in the ICTSI Del Monte Golf Championship beginning Wednesday at the Del Monte Golf Club.

Coming off a four-stroke romp over Davaoeños Ferdie Aunzo and Elmer Saban in last week’s ICTSI Apo leg, Pagunsan is oozing with confidence heading to this week’s 54-hole championship serving as the ninth leg of the 13th stage circuit organized by the Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

He is actually seeking to become the first back-to-back winner in the three-year old circuit and also the first to score three victories on the tour after posting a six-shot win over Danny Zarate and Richard Sinfuego at ICTSI Riviera leg last May.

But two ace players are re-joining the title chase this week after skipping the Apo leg with Angelo Que and Jay Bayron back in the hunt and out to prick Pagunsan’s bubble in the tournament sponsored by International Container Terminal Services, Inc.

The other fancied bets who failed to contend for the crown last week are also raring to bounce back this time, including leg winners Mars Pucay, Artemio Murakami, Benjie Magada and Elmer Salvador along with Tony Lascuña and Cassius Casas and rookie pros Rufino Bayron and Antonio Asistio II.

“I think Del Monte is tougher than Apo, so it will be anybody’s race,” said Aunzo, who went on some kind of a slump after scoring a breakthrough win in the ICTSI Royal Northwoods last year, in Filipino.

But the former amateur hotshot is back in form although he flinched when ranged against Pagunsan in their final round shootout at Apo.

“Luck will also be a big factor at Del Monte,” said Magada, also itching to atone for his poor Apo showing after nipping Lascuña and Jay Bayron in the ICTSI Orchard leg.

The par-72 layout, hosting the circuit for the first time, is expected to challenge the field’s shotmaking skills and mental toughness with its rolling terrain at the frontside, tight, tree-lined fairways, menacing bunkers and man-made lakes that come into play in some key holes.

But it will still be a question of how to stop the smooth-swinging Pagunsan, who thrives under pressure and plays his best under tough playing conditions.