Chan zooms to 6-shot lead in JPGT Luzon Series 4 opener

SILANG, Cavite – Aerin Chan roared back with an impressive frontside finish, carding a 73 to wrest a six-stroke lead over Quincy Pilac in the girls' 10-12 division at the start of the ICTSI Junior PGT Luzon Series 4 at the Riviera’s Couples course here Tuesday.

An eagle and two birdies on the front nine compensated for her double bogey on the fifth hole and her closing 34 cushioned the impact of a wobbly backside 39, giving her a commanding lead and bringing her closer to a first-leg title after two fifth-place finishes at Splendido Taal and Pinewoods.

"I had a good game, had lots of fun, and played without pressure," said the 11-year-old Chan, daughter of PBA top gun Jeff, one of the best 3-point shooters of his generation.

The Saint Pedro Poveda student emphasized the importance of ball control for her title drive in the 36-hole competition. "I hope I can get my distance right and be able to target the hole," she added.

Pilac, one of the division winners in the inaugural Junior PGT last year, matched Chan's three-over start on the back nine but faltered with four bogeys and a double bogey against two birdies, finishing with a 79.

Georgina Handog and Maurysse Abalos, who topped the Pradera Verde and Splendido legs, respectively, struggled with 91 and 94, respectively, but remained hopeful for a big comeback in the last 18 holes.

Athena Serapio, meanwhile, made her mark with a 93 in her JPGT debut, taking a two-stroke lead over Tyra Garingalao, who shot a 95, with Andrea Dee and Penelope Sy posting 99 and 112, respectively, in the girls’ 8-9 division.

"It’s exciting and I like to play with other kids," said Serapio, from Immaculate Conception Academy in Greenhills. She expects to have a better card tomorrow (Wednesday).

In other results, Levonne Talion carded a 39 on a fine frontside finish to save an 85, grabbing a three-stroke lead over Kendra Garingalao, who shot an 88, in the girls’ 13-15 class, with Gen. Santos City’s Alexie Gabi just another stroke back at 89. Montserrat Lapuz scored a 91, setting the stage for a spirited battle in the 54-hole tournament.

Talion, still seeking a breakthrough win in the series sponsored by ICTSI and supported by PGTI