Wahing, Gotiong stamp class in JPGT Marapara

BACOLOD, Philippines —  Bukidnon’s Simon Wahing overcame early challenges and survived a late stumble to clinch the boys’ 16-18 category title at the ICTSI JPGT Visayas Series 3 with a 78, foiling Bryce Lacida by three strokes at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club yesterday.

The 16-year-old Wahing’s performance not only earned him a wire-to-wire victory with a 307 total but also advanced him to the Philippine Junior Match Play Championship. He topped the premier division in the three-leg Visayas series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. with 27 points, building on his runner-up finish to absentee Patrick Tambalque at the Bacolod Golf and Country Club in Murcia last week.

Iloilo leg winner John Rey Oro secured the other slot in the national finals with 25 points, clinching the berth by placing third with a 311 after a second straight 75.

Wahing, who overcame a double-bogey on No. 15 and bucked a bogey-bogey windup, completed the 72-hole tournament in impressive fashion, pulling away by five with a frontside 37. Lacida settled for second with a 310, also after an eight-over card.

Wahing endured the pressure from Lacida but remained confident throughout.

“I struggled at the front and became nervous when Lacida moved closer,” said Wahing. Nevertheless, he remained optimistic about his performance, expecting to win after a failed bid in Murcia.

Earlier, Dominique Gotiong turned the final 18 holes of the girls’ competition into a virtual practice round and coronation walk. She finished with an 80 for a total score of 326, far ahead of Iloilo leg titlist Rhiena Sinfuego, who totaled 395 after a 93. Breanna Rojas placed third with a 419 after shooting a 105.