Golfers seek HK Cup title repeat

MANILA, Philippines - Reigning national champion Rupert Zaragoza heads a solid crew of jungolfers out to defend its Lion City Cup crown in Hong Kong next week while the men’s and ladies squads seek to end Thailand’s domination of the Putra Cup and Santi Cup, respectively.

The 12-player, three-squad Philippine delegation leaves tomorrow and hopes to get at least a couple of practice rounds at the Clearwater Bay Golf and Country Club and be ready for the annual event beginning Sept. 6.

With Jobim Carlos as spearhead, the Phl junior team nearly blew a big 19-stroke lead in the final round as it scrambled in the end to pull off a four-stroke victory and foil Thailand’s bid for a sweep of three titles in Malaysia last year.

Although Carlos will not be around this time, the team retains the services of former national champion Clyde Mondilla and Andres Saldana with Zaragoza and Gio Gandionco backstopping the team’s bid in the four-to-play, three-to-count format event.

The National Golf Association of the Phils. decided to keep Mondilla and put Zaragoza in the junior team instead of the seniors squad to bolster the country’s title retention campaign in the Lion City Cup against the expected charge of Thailand, which boasts of talented junior players.

“This (junior) team is strong and we expect them to stamp its class right in the opening round,” said National Golf Association of the Phils. president Leandro Mendoza. “But we also have high hopes on the men’s and ladies squads.”

Head of delegation Tommy Manotoc is also upbeat of the men’s chances with Zanie Boy Gialon, Art Arbole, John Kier Abdon and LJ Go hoping to spring a big surprise and end Thailand’s domination of the Putra Cup and start the country’s own reign.

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. A strong team built around now pros Mhark Fernando, Jhonnel Ababa, Jerson Balasabas and teener Miguel Tabuena was assembled last year but after a first round brilliance, it faded in the last three and lost by 14 shots.

“With their form and experience, I think we have a pretty good chance this year,” said Lopez.

The other coaches are Carito Villaroman for the men’s team and Boyet Zaragoza for the juniors squad.