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ALEXIS Nailga continued to raise the bar in the ICTSI Junior PGT Series, reaffirming his stature as the top player in the boys’ 15-18 division with another emphatic triumph, this time in challenging territory at Pueblo de Oro in Cagayan de Oro.
Ally Gaccion PGT PHOTO Coming off a victorious stint on the familiar fairways of Del Monte, the Bukidnon ace showed he could also thrive under pressure on less familiar ground, as he dominated the field anew despite a 73 to win by seven and virtually seal a spot in the much-anticipated ICTSI North vs. South Elite Junior Finals in October.
In the girls’ side of the premier age category, local bet Ally Gaccion proved that local knowledge paired with unyielding resolve could be a powerful combination, firing a brilliant six-under 66 to rout Del Monte rivals Crista Miñoza and Zero Plete and cruise to a commanding 17-stroke victory.
Nailga, who also reigned in the Mactan leg of the Visayas swing, faced an early threat from Del Monte teammate Clement Ordeneza. A bogey on the opening hole coupled with Ordeneza’s birdie on No. 3 trimmed Nailga’s lead to just two, hinting at a tight and dramatic finish.
But the 16-year-old Nailga, displaying remarkable poise and maturity beyond his years, responded like a true champion.
He quickly regained control with a birdie on the par-3 No. 6 and never looked back, storming away by six despite a double bogey on No. 11 and a miscue on No. 13. He birdied Nos. 14 and 16 for a 36-37 round and a 54-hole total of five-over 221.
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CDO’s Armand Copok saved his best for last, firing a solid three-under 69 to surge from seventh to second at 228, edging Zamboanga’s Mhark Fernando III, who placed third at 229 after a 75.
Copok’s strong finish, following his third-place effort at Del Monte, also put him firmly in the running for a slot in the national finals of the series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
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He highlighted his latest win with a superb approach shot on the par-4 No. 14, landing just a grip away from the hole.
Now a three-time champion, the Lifehouse Montessori student said he has learned the importance of staying composed throughout each round and keeping his focus on the game.
Ordeneza faded under the searing heat, reeling from back-to-back double bogeys from No. 9 and never recovering as he limped to a 79, slipping to sixth place with a 231 total.
In the distaff side, Gaccion, locked in a tense duel with Miñoza after the opening round, seized a two-stroke lead over Plete with a steely second-round 71.
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