Ethan Lago took a significant step towards a potential record-tying sweep at the ICTSI Junior PGT Visayas-Mindanao Series with an impressive performance at the Pueblo de Oro JPGT Championship in Cagayan de Oro. He finished the opening round with an even-par 72, establishing a commanding seven-shot lead.
After a shaky start on the back nine, Lago rebounded with three birdies in the first four holes of the front nine. He concluded the round with a 35-37 scorecard, maintaining his lead in the boys' 7-10 division.
Lucas Revilleza, who finished behind Lago in the previous legs, struggled with a score of 79, which included a double bogey on the ninth hole. He shares second place with Stephen Clementer, who also carded a seven-over par.
Lago credited his driving and putting skills for his strong showing, expressing confidence for the final round. "I’ll try to make more birdies, or at least pars, in the final round," he stated, as he seeks his fourth consecutive victory.
A victory by Lago would match Jamie Barnes’ four-leg sweep of the Vis-Min Series last year.
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In the girls' 7-10 division, Soleil Molde and Avery Go are set for a competitive finish, with Molde leading by one stroke after shooting a 78. Go finished with a birdie to post a 79.
South Cotabato’s Jared Saban delivered an outstanding performance in the boys' 11-14 category, carding a seven-under 65, giving him a seven-shot lead over Ralph Batican. Saban highlighted his round with a four-birdie run starting at hole 14.
Despite his strong lead, Saban acknowledged the challenge of the course, emphasizing the need for focus in the final round.
In the girls' 11-14 division, Rafaella Batican secured a narrow lead with a late birdie, finishing with a score of 74. Kimberly Baroquillo followed closely with a 75.
In the girls' 15-18 category, Precious Zaragosa leads with a 76, two shots ahead of Lois Lane Go. Zaragosa, who narrowly lost to Go in a previous leg, is looking forward to a potential rematch.
In the boys' premier division, Martin Lu maintained a steady performance with an even-par 72, leading by six shots over his competitors.