Dumalaog stands out in JPGT Pueblo golf opener

CAGAYAN DE ORO – Eliana Dumalaog found her rhythm late, shooting an 81 with a birdie on the final hole at the front nine, edging out Rafella Batican and Isabella Espina in the ICTSI Junior PGT Mindanao Series 4 opener here Monday.

Despite a challenging start at the backside of the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club, Dumalaog rebounded from a triple bogey on the 17th, finishing with a 38 at the front, highlighted by birdies on the third and ninth holes. Her nine-over-par performance pushed her ahead in the girls’ 10-12 category, overtaking the favored Batican and fellow Cagayan de Oro native, Espina.

"I’ll just do my best tomorrow (Tuesday), have fun, and try to make more birdies while focusing on making pars," said Dumalaog, a 10-year-old student from Oro Christian Grace School, who finished fifth in last week's Del Monte leg of the regional series won by Batican.

Despite playing on her home course, Dumalaog admitted to feeling some pressure due to the strong competition from Batican, who is also familiar with the Pueblo layout.

Batican, who, along with her brother Ralph, swept the South Pacific and Del Monte tournaments, opened with a 39 but faltered with a double bogey on the first hole, ultimately finishing with an 82, tied with Espina, who carded 42-40.

In other divisions of the series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. and sponsored by ICTSI, local talents sought redemption after losses to Bukidnon rivals last week. Shaqeeq Tanog and Abby Qiu moved closer to the 8-9 titles, Ken Guillermo took charge in boys’ 10-12, and Del Monte leg winners Zero Plete and Ally Gaccion put up strong starts in girls’ 13-15 and 16-18, respectively.

Tanog carded an 87 to open a five-stroke lead over Simon Apilat, who shot a 90. Marlou Langamin followed closely with a 93, while Benedict Rolida struggled with a 97.

“I enjoyed my game, got a birdie, and made six pars,” said Tanog, who admitted being more nervous during interviews than on the course under the sweltering heat.

Qiu posted nines of 43-45 to seize a commanding 12-shot lead over last week’s winner and fellow local talent, Francesca Geroy, who struggled throughout, finishing with 54-46 for 100, while Claren