Manotoc shocks Raymundo, seals duel with Zaragosa

MANILA, Philippines - No. 7 Gabriel Manotoc put up a solid performance as he bundled out second seed Iñigo Raymundo, 2-up, to crash into the Final Four of the NGAP-Globe Circuit’s Philippine Amateur Junior (Closed) championship at Alabang Country Club yesterday.

Manotoc, 14, trailed Raymundo only after the first hole before seizing control with a superb all-around game the rest of the way to arrange a semis clash with defending champion Rupert Zaragosa, who overwhelmed Ramir Roque, 4 and 3.

Top-seed Basti Lorenzo and No. 4 Andres Saldana also rolled to the semis with a 4 and 3 romp over Ryu Yazuma and Miguel Shah, 2 and 1, respectively, to seal a showdown for the first finals berth in the event backed by Pancake House, Titleist and Golf Depot.

Manotoc and Zaragosa, who both play for multi-titled Canlubang in the PAL Interclub, will clash in match play for the first time though both practice a lot together at Cangolf.

Raymundo opened up with a birdie but Manotoc turned the tide in his favor, going 2-up after the 15th before the former gunned down an eagle on the next hole.

But Manotoc hit a 58-degree third shot from 40 yards for a tap-in birdie on the par-5 18th to clinch the victory. 

Girl’s Group 1 top seed Mia Legaspi also moved to the semis with a 7 and 5 win over Sam Martirez. She faces Gabrielle Bruce, who edged Bianca Pagdanganan, 1-up, for a spot in the finals.

Chanelle Avaricio and Daniella Uy will dispute the other championship berth by beating Dana Gonzales, 3 and 2, and Marvi Monsalve, 1-up, after 19, respectively.