MACTAN. — 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 the Mactan Island Golf Course here Wednesday.
The 15-year-old Cebuana opened her campaign with back-to-back rounds of 73 to build a commanding 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 boosted her confidence and 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 claimed runner-up honors with a 77, finishing with a total of 231. Crista Miñoza slipped to third place after carding an 80 for a 233 total. Another local standout, Lois Laine Go, secured fourth place with a 79, ending at 235.
But the spotlight also shone brightly on Mindanao’s formidable campaigners, who flexed their depth and skill across various divisions.
Bukidnon’s Alexis Nailga delivered a commanding performance in the boys’ 15–18 division, closing with a clinical two-under-par 66 to dominate Cebuano NyitoTiongko by 10 strokes.
Nailga assembled a 54-hole total of eight-over 212, highlighted by a second-round 69 that put him in firm control.
After recovering from a mishap on the opening hole, Nailga quickly found his rhythm with back-to-back birdies starting from No. 4. He surged ahead with another birdie on the seventh, then continued to pull away with two more birdies on Nos. 14 and 15.
Not even the heavy downpour late in the round could derail his title run.
