Baticans rule JPGT golf tilt

DAVAO – Ralph and Rafella Batican hammered out gripping victories to sweep the 10-12 category titles, while James Rolida and Mavis Espedido emerged victorious in the 8-9 division of the ICTSI JPGT Mindanao Series 2 at South Pacific Golf and Leisure Estates here Wednesday.

Ralph secured a thrilling win with a birdie from four feet in sudden death on No. 9, pulling through after Jared Saban missed a close-range putt, both having tied at 152 over 36 holes. Ralph initially appeared set for a regulation win but double-bogeyed the final hole for a round of 79 while Saban finished with a 77.

“I played poorly,” said Ralph Batican, ruing his five-bogey skid from No. 11 that allowed Saban to mount a comeback.

Rafella, on the other hand, overcame a late challenge from Kimberly Barroquillo to secure a two-stroke victory with a total score of 153 after a round of 77. Despite Barroquillo's strong finish, which included two birdies in the last five holes, she ended up with a 155, also after a five-over-par round.

“I struggled with my putting, but I was able to recover,” said Rafella.

Apo leg winner Brittany Tamayo charged back with a 75 but could only finish at third at 156, while Kelsey Bernardino placed fourth at 160 after an 81.

Ralph and Saban were neck-and-neck from the start, trading birdies and bogeys, with the former eventually taking the lead with a strong performance on the front nine. Despite faltering on the back nine, Ralph managed to hold on and win in the playoff.

In the 8-9 division, James Rolida won decisively in the boys’ category with a closing 94 for a 195, while Mavis Espedido triumphed in the girls’ category with a 176 after an 86.

In the boys’ 13-15 division, Alexis Nailga maintained his five-stroke lead with a 161 despite an 80 following a back nine struggle. Apo leg champion AJ Wacan also carded an eight-over card and remained in second with 166, while Joaquin Pasquil stayed at third with 179 after an 88.

Apo leg titlist Johanna Uyking positioned herself for back-to-back victories in the girls’ 13-15 division of the nationwide series sponsored by ICTSI, leading with a 157 after an impressive round of 73.

“My putting was on point, which helped me