Plete takes charge in JPGT Mindanao

DAVAO, Philippines — Zero Plete minimized her mistakes and fired an 81, overtaking Rose Wacan and Johanna Uyking in the girls’ 13-15 category after 18 holes of the ICTSI JPGT Mindanao Series 2 at South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates here yesterday.

After an erratic backside start (43) marred by three straight double bogeys from No. 12, the 14-year-old contender from Cagayan de Oro steadied herself to surge past Wacan and Uyking, who fired an 83 and 84, respectively.

“I struggled on my first nine holes, making three double bogeys in a row. I want to make up for that tomorrow,” said Plete, who vowed to keep the lead in pursuit of top honors in the 54-hole tournament sponsored by ICTSI

Meanwhile, the Batican siblings, Ralph and Rafella, took charge in the 10-12 division, and Alexis Nailga, also from Del Monte, secured the lead in the boys’ 13-15 play.

Kelsey Bernardino looked poised to dominate the girls’ 10-12 with a three-birdie, one-bogey card after nine holes.