Nagai, Superal clinch top seedings

MANILA, Philippines - Gen Nagai set in motion his bid for another crown after romping off with the boys’ stroke play crown recently, firing a one-under 71 to gain the top seeding in the match play phase of the MVP Sports Foundation-presented Philippine Junior Amateur championship starting today at Alabang Golf Club.

Nagai, in his last year of eligibility in the ranks, thus drew the 32-ranked Jaime Patnongon, who shot a 90 and nipped two others in a playoff for the last match play slot in the event backed by Pancake House, Golf Depot and Pacsports as part of the PLDT Group Amateur Tour.

Rupert Zaragosa, seeking to win a national double for the second time, took it easy and carded a 78 for No. 11 and a clash with unheralded Paqo Barro.

Korean Park Min-ung finished No. 2 after a 73.

Park, who lost to Zaragosa in the final match of the Men’s Match Play at Orchard two weeks ago, faces Karl Dela Torre, who shot an 89.

Princess Superal turned in a 74 to be No. 1 in the girls’ division, with ICTSI teammate Mikhaela Fortuna shooting a 76 for No. 2.

Superal drew Samantha Martirez, another member of the ICTSI golf stable, as a first round foe, while Fortuna faces Gabriel Nikhalla Bruce, who submitted an 84. Martirez also shot an 84.      .

Pauleen Del Rosario shot a 77 and was No. 3 and will square off with Bernice Olivarez-Ilas for a seat in the Last Eight. Ilas, a former world junior champion, shot an 83.

Basti Lorenzo, the 17-year-old son of a restaurateur, and Raymart Tolentino wound up Nos. 3 and 4, respectively, after identical 73s. Lorenzo plays Enrique Diaz, the 30th seed, while Tolentino battles Lester Lagman in today’s first round.

Reigning 13-14 junior world champion Kristopher Arevalo made a 76 for a showdown with Ira Alido.

There will be two rounds today with the winners advancing to the Final 16. The quarterfinals and the Final Four will be played tomorrow with the title match, for 18 holes, set on Friday.

Gabriel Manotoc fired a 75 and will battle Ryan Monsalve, the 26th seed, for the right to advance to the last 16 in boys’ play.