LIPA CITY. – Lia Duque and Patrick Tambalque delivered commanding performances to claim victory in the premier 16-18 category of the ICTSI Junior PGT Series 6, all but sealing their spots in next month’s Match Play Championship.
Duque mirrored her dominant triumph over Chloe Rada at Luisita two weeks ago, posting another wire-to-wire victory despite her tournament-worst score of eight-over 80 in the final round.
The tournament, shortened to 54 holes after the first round was canceled due to adverse weather at the Mount Malarayat composite course, saw Duque maintain a huge lead throughout.
Holding a 19-stroke advantage over Rafa Anciano heading into the final round, Duque’s total of 231 left her 29 shots clear of her nearest rival. Anciano, the Pinewoods leg champion, stumbled with 90 to finish at 260, while Rada carded 92 to claim third place at 268.
Tambalque virtually secured his Match Play spot with an emphatic 15-shot victory over Rafael Mañaol.
Already a winner in Visayas Series 2 (Bacolod) and Luzon Series 4 (Riviera), Tambalque posted an impressive even-par 72 in challenging conditions, finishing with a two-over 218 total over 54 holes.
“I struggled quite a bit with my approaches, trying to navigate the wind and figure out my club selections,” said the 16-year-old Duque, whose back-to-back wins bolstered her chances of securing a spot in the national finals of the series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc. “It was either too long or too short of the green.”
Looking ahead to the finals, she emphasized the areas she needs to focus on: “I need to work on my fairway woods and long irons, sharpen them up for sure,” she noted.
“Mindset-wise, I have to manage my course strategy better, putting myself in ideal positions for birdies and up-and-down scenarios.”
