JPGT Luisita golf: Sarines, Chan crowned champions

TARLAC – Vito Sarines cemented his status as the ICTSI Junior PGT's top player with a thrilling victory at the Luzon Series 5 at the Luisita Golf and Country Club here Wednesday, marking his third consecutive triumph and fourth overall in the series.

Unlike his previous wire-to-wire victories at Pinewoods and Riviera, Sarines demonstrated remarkable resilience this time, overcoming a five-stroke deficit to clinch the title. He finished with a one-under 71, totaling 148, to edge out Visayas Series finalist Race Manhit and previous leg winners Ryuji Suzuki by two strokes.

Sarines carded two birdies and a bogey on the back nine, where he played in a group ahead of Manhit, Suzuki and Javie Bautista. His back-nine score of 35 matched Manhit, who had seized the lead by birdieing the final two holes of the first round for a 72.

Manhit faltered with a back-nine score of 40 and back-to-back bogeys starting from No. 1, allowing Sarines to take control. Suzuki struggled to capitalize on opportunities, shooting a 37 on the back nine after a 40 for a 77, ending with a total of 150 to tie with Manhit, who ended with a 78.

Sarines, who also won the Splendido leg, now holds four victories in the four-division series, solidifying his place in the Match Play Championship scheduled for Oct. 1-4 at The Country Club.

“I played well and had a strong feeling that I could shoot low because my approach shots and putting were on point,” said 12-year-old Sarines, who expressed gratitude to his parents, twin sisters Mona and Lisa, and coach Jun Bernis for their support.

Although Sarines struggled with his driving, hooking his shot twice, his strong performance with irons and putting enabled him to mount a successful comeback. This win extends his impressive streak in the ICTSI-sponsored series, organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc.

Aerin Chan continued her impressive form in the girls’ 10-12 category, capturing her second consecutive victory with a dominant nine-shot win over Quincy Pilac.

Following her five-stroke win at Riviera last month, Chan, 11, carded a 77 in her second round to finish with a 36-hole total of 157, further solidifying her bid for a spot in the Match Play