Top pros brace for match play

MANILA, Philippines — If form charts hold true, the top-ranked players should make quick work of their lower-seeded counterparts in the opening round of the ICTSI The Country Club Match Play Invitational.

The P2-million, season-ending tournament gathers the country’s top professionals, the men and women, and rising stars for 16 first-round duels today at the tough TCC course in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

Top-seed Tony Lascuña, fresh off securing his fifth Order of Merit title, faces No. 32 Rico Depilo, No. 2 Angelo Que battles promising youngster Elee Bisera, third-ranked Reymon Jaraula takes on former Philippine Masters champion Jerson Balasabas, fourth-ranked Rupert Zaragosa squares off with Arnold Villacencio, and fifth seed Clyde Mondilla clashes with Nelson Huerva.

In women’s play, defending champion Mikha Fortuna faces 16-year-old rising star Jiwon Lee while the Marvi Monsalve-Chanelle Avaricio showdown is shaping up to be another must-watch duel.