Gandionco, Superal lead jungolf winners

CARMONA, Cavite, Philippines  – Cebu bet Gio Gandionco rallied with a tournament-best four-under-par 68 to salvage the boys Class A crown yesterday while ICTSI mainstay Princess Superal cruised to victory in the girls side at the close of the national qualifiers for the Junior World Championships at the Manila Southwoods’ Legends course.

Gandionco, four strokes behind Miggy Yee after three rounds, saved his best for last to finish with a 289 aggregate three ahead of Yee, who soared to a 75 for 292. Gandionco’s teammate, Lloyd Jefferson Go, placed third with a 75 for 294 followed by Jama Reyes with a 76 for 302. They will represent the country in the Junior World meet in San Diego, California this coming July.

Superal carded a three-over 75 to capture the girls’ Class A title with a 295, eight ahead of ICTSI teammate Andrea Unson who made a 76 for 303. In the next two places were Marvi Monsalve (80-306) and Felicia Medalla (74-308) at the completion of the four-day, ICTSI-sponsored elims organized by the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines (JGFP). 

Raymart Tolentino, 14, posted a 75 for 298 to cruise to a seven-stroke victory in the boys’ Class B. The other players who made it to the top four were Kristoffer Arevalo (75-305), Gabriel Manotoc (75-312) and William Lanz Uy (79-315). 

“I’m pretty excited for the Junior World. It will be my third time there but first time in the Class B division,” said Tolentino.

Christopher Popp (76-306) and Harmie Constantino (79-313) shared the titles in the Class C division. Josh Jorge (76-276), Carl Corpus (71-279), Jolo Magcalayo (70-284) and Justin Magsino (76-292) qualified in the boys’ Class D.  In the girls’ Class D, which played to a shortened par-62, Bernice Ilas (62-247), Nicole Abelar (67-264) and Sofia Legaspi (67-270) will join the US trip.

A total of 17 slots to the Junior World were contested in the 72-hole event sponsored by Pancake House, Teriyaki Boy, Sizzlin’ Pepper, PAL, Duty Free Philippines, McDonald’s, Golf Depot, Pioneer Insurance, PacSports, Julies Bakeshop, Inquirer Golf and Microtel.