GEN. TRIAS, Cavite – Levonne Talion and Charles Serdenia delivered contrasting performances, fueling their ICTSI Junior PGT Championship campaigns by topping the 15-18 age category at Eagle Ridge Golf and Country Club’s Norman course here on Thursday.
Talion battled back from eight strokes down to shock Rafa Anciano, pulling through on the second playoff hole with a par to snare the girls’ championship in the premier division of the event organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
Tallion forced a sudden-death playoff with a clutch par on the 18th, closing with a 79 and a 252 total, after Anciano faltered with a costly three-putt for an 87.
Starting the day way behind under sweltering conditions, Talion narrowed the gap to half with a front-nine 39, as Anciano struggled to a 43, marred by a triple bogey on the ninth.
Anciano couldn’t halt her slide on the back nine, stumbling with double bogeys on Nos. 13 and 16. That opened the door for Tallion, who pulled within one shot heading into the par-4 18th, ultimately drawing level after 54 holes.
Both players parred the first playoff hole (No. 18), but on their third return to the closing hole, Talion secured the victory with a routine par as Anciano mishit her approach shot, sending it under a tree. She was forced to play out and missed a long par-saving putt, allowing Talion to clinch the improbable win.
Tiffany Bernardino placed third with a 273 after a 93.
Meanwhile, Serdenia, initially locked in a tight battle with Shinichi Suzuki, turned the duel into a commanding win with a determined frontside surge, extending his overnight one-stroke lead to three at the turn. Despite a late birdie from Suzuki, Serdenia held firm with steady closing pars to secure a two-stroke victory after carding a 73 for a 54-hole total of 227.
Trailing by three with two holes remaining, Suzuki launched a last-ditch rally with a birdie on the 17th. However, Serdenia’s composure in the final stretch frustrated the Manila Southwoods mainstay, who settled for a 74 and a 229 finish.
Zach Villaroman posted a 75 to claim third place at 232.
