Ilas, Cayabyab virtual qualifiers in US Kids

MANILA, Philippines - Bernice Olivarez-Ilas, Annyka Pineda-Cayabyab and seven others virtually ruled their respective divisions by taking double-digit leads into the final round of the Philippine qualifier for the US Kids World Championships at the Player course of the Orchard Golf and Country Club in Dasmariñas, Cavite.

Ilas, the reigning Junior World 9-10 years champion, widened her lead to 24 in the girls 11 years, Cayabyab zoomed ahead by 13 in the girls 9 years, Eagle Ace Superal pulled away by 17 in girls 8 years while Abby Arevalo paced girls 14 by 23.

Zeus Sara (boys 7), Leandro Bagtas (boys 9), and Aidric Chan (boys 12), Sean Granada (boys 8) were also leading comfortably after 36 holes.

Youn Woo Zoo padded his lead to 13 in the boys 11 years to be one of three Korean kids in the driver’s seat with one round left in the tourney sponsored and organized by Golf Depot in coordination with the Junior Golf Foundation of the Philippines.

Keeping slim leads were Vince Tiamsic (6 years), Josh Jorge (boys 10), Ashia Nocum (girls 12), Nikolo Gatmaytan (boys 13), Justin Quiban (boys 15-18) and Charice Avaricio (girls 15-18).