Batican stretches lead

MANILA, Philippines — Despite an early stumble and late struggles on a rain-hit, windy Thursday at The Country Club, Ralph Batican carded a 78 to extend his overnight three-stroke lead to a commanding 10-shot advantage after 36 holes in the boys’ 13-14 division of the Uswing Mojing Junior World Qualifying.

In contrast, the girls’ 13-14 category took an unpredictable turn as Lisa Sarines staged a late surge, trimming Johanna Uyking’s lead to just one stroke heading into the final round. A dramatic two-shot swing on the closing hole (No. 18) allowed Sarines to fire a 73, closing the gap at 153 against Uyking’s 152 after a 75.

While four Junior World slots are at stake in each age category, only division winners will receive free airfare to the prestigious San Diego event in July. With the leaderboard tightening in two divisions, the final round promises high-stakes battles.