Duque, Kobayashi win pulling away

TARLAC, Philippines — Lia Duque and Mark Kobayashi pulled off runaway wins in the 16-18 divisions of the ICTSI Junior PGT Luzon Series 5 yesterday.

Duque, who enjoyed a 25-stroke lead over Rafa Anciano after three rounds, maintained her focus at the Luisita Golf and Country Club and capped her performance with a 79, highlighted by a two-birdie frontside 37, for a 324 total and a resounding 36-stroke victory over Chloe Rada.

Duque battled sweltering heat with rounds of 77, 85 and 83 to earn 15 points, boosting her bid for a spot in the Match Play Championship in October.

Rada finished second with a 360 total after an 89 and earned 12 points.

“This win means a lot to me because in the recent JPGT events, I haven’t been performing as well as I wanted,” said Duque.

Anciano, the Pinewoods leg playoff winner, wound up third with a 93 for a 363, while Angelica Bañez placed fourth with a 397 after a closing 100.

On the boys’ side, Kobayashi cruised to victory, carding an 82 to secure a six-stroke win over Zachary Villaroman, finishing with a 306 total.

Villaroman carded an 80 to take second place with a 312 while Francis Slavin rallied to finish third with a 329 after an 84.