Balangauan rips field for girls’ 15-18 crown at Mactan
Tashanah Balangauan rules the ICTSI Junior PGT Championship girls’ 15-18 division crown. –HANDOUT PHOTO
Tashanah Balangauan made a statement in her ICTSI Junior PGT Championship debut by capturing the girls’ 15-18 division crown with a commanding seven-stroke victory over Crista Miñoza in the kickoff leg of the seven-stage Visayas-Mindanao Series at Mactan Island Golf Course.
The 15-year-old from Cebu opened her campaign with back-to-back rounds of 73 for a seven-shot lead, then held her ground with a final-round 78 under overcast skies to clinch the title with a total score of 224.
Balangauan’s dominant performance not only boosted her confidence but also earned her 15 valuable ranking points, significantly enhancing her chances of securing a spot in the North vs. South Elite Junior Finals.
“I’m happy and grateful to win in my first JPGT tournament,” said the St. Benedict Childhood Education Center student. “This experience gave me valuable insights into what I need to improve for my next tournaments.”
Precious Zaragosa finished second after a 77 as Miñoza slipped to third place with an 80 for a 233. Another local standout, Lois Laine Go, secured fourth place with a 79 for 235.
The spotlight also shone brightly on Mindanao’s formidable campaigners, led by Bukidnon’s Alexis Nailga who delivered a masterful performance in the boys’ 15–18 division by closing a clinical two-under-par 66 to win by 10 shots over Cebu’s Nyito Tiongko.
Nailga assembled a 54-hole total of eight-over 212, highlighted by a second-round 69 that put him in firm control.
Nailga might have widened his winning margin further if not for a double bogey on the 17th amid the driving rain. Still, he signed off with a pair of 33s.
“I didn’t expect to win. I just played my game and aimed for the score I needed,” said Nailga, who expressed gratitude to the Lord for guiding him through the tournament and to his family for their unwavering support.
Tiongko, who matched Nailga’s opening 77 but fell behind with a second-round 74, closed with a 71 to finish at 222. Zeus Suzara rounded out the top three with a 237 after posting a final-round 75.
Nailga joined three other Mindanao champions in the season opener, Bukidnon’s Ralph Batican and South Cotabato’s Brittany Tamayo, who split the 11-14 division titles, and Davao’s Ethan Lago (boys’ 7-10).
The impressive four-title haul by Mindanao bets underscored the region’s depth and preparedness, outshining their Visayas counterparts despite the host region’s familiarity with the local course.
