Tambalque, Gotiong show way

BACOLOD, Philippines — Patrick Tambalque surged ahead in the fiercely competitive boys’ 16-18 category with a decisive last-hole birdie on the ninth, securing a one-stroke lead over John Rey Oro and Simon Wahing with a 75 at the start of the ICTSI JPGT Bacolod Visayas Series in Binitin, Murcia here yesterday.

Tambalque faced formidable competition, including club favorite Oro and Bukidnon-based Wahing, relying on his strong start and finish to overcome what he described as poor decision-making.

“I had a good start with a chip-in birdie on No. 10,” said Tambalque, the 16-year-old student from Learning Links Academy in Silang, Cavite. He caught up with Oro at six-over following a bogey-double-bogey exchange on No. 8 but seized the solo lead with a clutch birdie from four feet on the last hole.

Meanwhile, Dominique Evonne Gotiong marked her Junior PGT debut impressively, posting an 81 to seize a six-shot lead over Iloilo leg winner Rhiena Sinfuego, who scored an 87. Breanna Rojas took third place with a 98 in the girls’ premier division.