Jahns, Ardina romp off with DHL crowns

MANILA, Philippines - Keanu Jahns and Dottie Ardina fashioned out a pair of runaway triumphs in their respective divisions as they dominated the WWWExpress-DHL Amateur Golf Championship at Cangolf’s north course in Laguna yesterday.

The 17-year-old Jahns used a strong start to dash whatever hopes fancied Rupert Zaragosa had as the Alabang bet sizzled with an opening 32 en route to a 67 and a whopping seven-stroke victory in men’s play.

Ardina posted a more convincing victory in the ladies side, beating ICTSI-The Country Club teammate Princess Superal by eight shots despite a closing even par 72 in the 54-hole tournament sponsored by WWWExpress and DHL.

Zaragosa, the former junior and national champion, threatened to within four off Jahns after shooting the day’s best 68 in the third round. But Jahns settled the outcome right after nine holes with a flawless 32, highlighted by birdies on Nos. 3, 6, 8 and 9.

It was cruise control for the Fil-German ace at the back as he closed out with two more birdies against a lone bogey for that 67 and a 72-hole haul of seven-under 281 in the tournament that served as part of the PLDT Group Amateur Golf Tour.

Zaragosa had two 35s for a 70 and finished second with a 288 while Gen Nagai carded a 74 to tie John Kier Abdon, who skied to a 78, at third at 294.

Justin Quiban placed fifth with a 295 after a 76 while Koreans Park Min Ung and Yoon Sung Hwan took the next two spots at 296 and 299 after 75 and 78, respectively.

Ardina, meanwhile, virtually wrapped up the crown as early as the second round when she stormed to a seven-shot lead with a 71 and 69 then hit two early birdies in the final round to seal the win as Superal and erstwhile second-running Pauline del Rosario could only match Ardina’s 35 start before fading at the back.

“it’s nice to win again,” said Ardina, whose victory further underscored her status as the country’s top lady golfer. She is actually set to receive a major award in tonight’s PSA Awards Night at the Manila Hotel along with the other sports achievers last year, including Superal.

The 16-year-old Superal, who racked up nine local and international titles, last year, matched Ardina’s 72 for a 220 while del Rosario settled for third at 222 after a 75.

Other backers of the event, organized and conducted by the National Golf Association of the Phils., were Pancake House, Nike, Golf Depot and Pacsports.