Villaroman, Slavin clinch final JPGT Match Play slots; Sara triumphs

TRECE MARTIRES, Cavite – Zachary Villaroman and Francis Slavin emerged victorious from a contested battle for the final two spots in the ICTSI Junior PGT Match Championship, carding 78 and 83 to finish third and fourth, respectively, in the Luzon Series 7 at the Sherwood Hills Golf Club on Friday.

While Zeus Sara dominated the boys’ 16-18 age category with an expected victory, culminating in a commanding seven-leg Luzon series win, it was the duel for the last two qualifying spots that captured the spotlight.

Sara, whose four-day consistency left little room for doubt, wrapped up the event with a 292 total after shooting a final-round 72.

"Anything can happen in golf and that's exactly what happened today (Friday). Patrick (Tambalque) shot a 3-under card and if I didn't shoot even-par, the scores would have been closer," said Sara, whose steady finished netted him a seven-stroke victory over Tambalque.

Despite Sara’s runaway performance, all eyes were on the intense contest between Villaroman, Slavin and Rafael Mañaol, battling for the remaining berths in the Match Play finals of the series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments Inc. With absentee Mark Kobayashi and Patrick Tambalque already securing the top two positions due to superior ranking points, the competition for third and fourth was fierce.

Tambalque, who had already qualified for the finals through the multi-series format, opted to compete in the Luzon series. His impressive run, highlighted by two victories, including one at Mount Malarayat last week, solidified his claim on the No. 2 spot behind Kobayashi. The latter secured his position after winning at Luisita and consistently placing second in three tournaments.

Tambalque closed out with an impressive 69 but finished seven strokes behind the Davaoeño standout with a total of 299.

Villaroman, battling against nerves and erratic weather, produced a gutsy 78 to secure third place with a total of 324. Slavin, despite struggling with an 83, finished with 330, enough to clinch the final qualifying spot in the finals, which are scheduled to take place from October 1-4 at The Country Club in Laguna.

Mañaol, who had kept himself in the finals race with