The ICTSI John Hay Junior PGT Championship kicks off Tuesday, April 28, in Baguio City, featuring a series of marquee matchups across all age-group divisions in the third leg of the Luzon Series.
Boys' 15-18 Division: Power vs Precision
The highlight of the tournament is the boys' 15-18 division, where Shinichi Suzuki and David Charles Serdenia are set for a highly anticipated clash. Suzuki brings power off the tee, while Serdenia relies on precision and course management. However, the demanding Camp John Hay layout, known for its tight fairways and rolling terrain, is expected to neutralize sheer power, rewarding strategic thinking instead.
This opens the door for a deep field of contenders, including Jakob Taruc, Santi Asuncion, Tristan Padilla, Lujo Gomez, and Andres Fabie. Local Baguio bets Xian Robles, Jake Garcia, Von Raiden Tablac, and Renzo Sagsago will leverage their knowledge of the tricky par-69 course to gain an edge against their rivals.
Girls' 15-18 Division: Wide Open Battle
In the girls' 15-18 category, siblings Lisa and Mona Sarines lead a competitive field but face stiff challenges from Levonne Talion, Kendra Garingalao, and hometown favorite Zyrah de Leon. The division promises an unpredictable 54-hole contest.
Boys' 11-14 Division: Rubber Match
The boys' 11-14 division features a rubber match between Chan Ahn and Vito Sarines, who have split the first two legs. Ahn won by one stroke at Mount Malarayat, while Sarines rallied from a five-shot deficit to win by three at Summit Point. Their 36-hole showdown is far from a two-player duel, with Race Manhit, Javie Bautista, Jose Luis Espinosa, Isaac Dillera, Jacob Casuga, and Ryuji Suzuki all capable of disrupting the narrative. Local players Miguel Orbita, Hoonmin Park, Sevros Dionisio, and Liam Horacio also aim to shine on familiar ground.
Girls' 11-14 Division: New Challengers
In the girls' 11-14 division, Ronee Dungca steps up after dominating the 7-10 class last year. She faces tougher competition from Mavis Espedido, Kelsey Bernardino, Tyra Garingalao, and local standouts Ysobel Robles and Zoey Laranang.
Boys' 7-10 Division: First Head-to-Head
The boys' 7-10 division sees Kenzo Tan and Zach Guico finally meet after winning separate legs. Tan won at Mount Malarayat in Guico's absence, while Guico triumphed at Summit Point. The 14-player field also includes Zoji Edoc, Alexian Ching, Joaquin Magtalas, Matteo Muyot, Kristoff dela Cruz, and Pio Bitangcol, along with Baguio youngsters Gabriel A-ayo and Zane Lim.
Girls' 7-10 Division: Repeat Bid
Winter Serapio aims for her second win in three legs in the girls' 7-10 class, but faces determined challengers Tyly Bernardino, Amiya Tablac, Cecilia Mamauag, and Ava Laranang, all seeking breakthrough victories in the 36-hole event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
