Jr. match play cast sealed

MANILA, Philippines —  Zachary Villaroman and Francis Slavin clinched the final two spots in the ICTSI Junior PGT Match Championship, carding 78 and 83 to finish third and fourth, respectively, in the Luzon Series 7 at the Sherwood Hills Golf Club yesterday.

While Zeus Sara dominated the boys’ 16-18 age category at the close of the seven-leg Luzon series, it was the duel for the last two qualifying spots that captured the spotlight.

Sara wrapped up the event with a 292 total after shooting a final-round 72.

But all eyes were on the intense contest between Villaroman, Slavin and Rafael Mañaol, battling for the remaining berths in the Match Play finals of the series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.

Absentee Mark Kobayashi and Patrick Tambalque already secured the top two positions due to superior ranking points.

Villaroman produced a gutsy 78 to secure third place with a total of 324. Slavin, despite an 83, finished with 330, enough to clinch the final qualifying spot in the finals, which are scheduled to take place from Oct. 1-4 at The Country Club in Laguna.