Ababa extends PGTA ‘streak,’ retains Pradera crown

LUBAO, Pampanga, Philippines — There must really be something at the Philippine Golf Tour Asia that makes Jhonnel Ababa tick.

The diminutive former amateur hotshot put on a scorching windup, giving a wild title chase in the stretch a clear ending as he birdied four of the last seven holes to shoot a 68, beat a late-charging David Gleeson of Australia by two and keep the ICTSI Pradera Verde Classic crown here yesterday.

“Fantastic. I think I’m just lucky playing on PGT Asia,” said Ababa, whose 10-under 278 total that included rounds of 68-73-69 netted the diminutive former amateur hotshot his fourth championship, becoming the first player to score back-to-back victories in the region’s newest circuit put up by ICTSI worth another $17,500.

With four tied on top and six others just two behind after 54 holes, the title picture remained unclear as Gleeson (13 holes), Sam Gillis (15 holes) and Clyde Mondilla (14 holes) caught up with Ababa, who birdied No. 12, at seven-under overall in separate flights as erstwhile joint leaders Keanu Jahns, Andrew Campbell and Thai Tawit Polthai fell behind with over-par cards.

With around 500 tourist golfing Koreans and a handful of Filipinos in the gallery bracing for a wild finish, the 5-3 Davaoeño ace dashed whatever hopes were left for a thriller of an ending, coming up with that blistering windup in hot, breezy conditions. His last birdie, on No. 17, gave him a two-shot cushion over erstwhile pursuers Gillis and Mondilla, who had wrapped up their respective rounds ahead of the back-to-back champion and Gleeson.

“The key was my birdie on No. 14. It didn’t only bolster my morale but more importantly, it gave me a one-stroke lead. That’s when I felt I could win again,” said Ababa, who then came through with superb approach shots on Nos. 16 and 17 that set up birdie chances from close range to seal the victory.

Ababa also scored back-to-back wins at Eagle Ridge and here to close out the circuit’s inaugural season last year then broke away from a tight final round duel with three others and beat Jobim Carlos by three to rule the PGTA second season stop at Forest Hills last July.