Solid Putra Cup Crew: RP hopes to end 14-year drought

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines tries to come out strong on a team built around Mhark Fernando, Jhonnel Ababa, Jerson Balasabas and youthful Miguel Tabuena as it tries to snap a 14-year title drought in the Putra Cup unfolding today at the Royal Selangor Golf Club in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The Filipinos used to lord it over the field in the annual event also known as the Southeast Asian team golf championship but have not won since 1996 in Myanmar. But this year’s roster appear to be the strongest in years with the ICTSI-backed Fernando, Ababa and Balasabas providing the experience and firepower and Tabuena the exuberance of youth.

Fernando is the reigning Indonesian and Malaysian Am champion, while Ababa is a former Sabah Amateur Open winner.

Balasabas has won low amateur honors in four legs of the professional ICTSI Golf Tour, while Tabuena, who played in the Lion City Cup last year, has been the most consistent age-grouper and is coming off a victory in the Malaysian Junior Open two weeks ago.

“This team is the strongest in years. It’s a combination of youth and experience and we expect them to contend right in the opening round,” said National Golf Association of the Phils. president Leandro Mendoza.

The Philippines finished third, last year nipping Malaysia, which is also tipped to contend for this year’s crown, this being the 50th year of the event at its original home.

Meanwhile, Dottie Ardina, fresh from his victory in last weekend’s Karambunai Open in Kota Kinabalu, heads the RP ladies team vying in the Santi Cup, which Thailand also ruled in its inaugural staging last year.

But with Chihiro Ikeda, reigning national ladies champion Irina Gabasa and Andie Unson backing up Ardina, the RP ladies, also sponsored by ICTSI, is fancied to crowd the Thais and the Malaysians for top honors in the four-day event.