Bacolod city: Homegrown talent Ana Marie Aguilar topped the girls' 7-10 division in the ICTSI Negros Junior PGT Championship at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Bacolod City to secure a place in the Elite Finals. She carded a final-round 82 and a 158 total, capping a two-week blitz after dominating the Bacolod leg in Murcia last week. Vanya Go had an 85 for a 159, while Jia Ho had an 81 to tie Zoey Mascari±as, who faltered with an 84, at 165.

According to Philippines News Agency, Aguilar expressed her relief and excitement for the next stage, relying on her irons, precise chipping, and solid bunker play to stay in contention. She vaulted from No. 5 to No. 2 in the final standings with 40 points, joining top-ranked Soleil Molde (42) and the resilient Go (39) in the finals in Cagayan de Oro.

Meanwhile, Darren Ong also punched a ticket to the Ryder Cup-style national finals after claiming victory in the boys division. Holding a 14-stroke lead after Monday's opening round, Ong fired an 80 after a 76 but still won by 22 strokes on a 156 total over 36 holes. Ong jumped from No. 6 to No. 4 in the Visayas-Mindanao Series rankings, gathering 35 points across the six-stage circuit. He joined Ethan Lago, Stephen Clementer, and Lucas Revilleza to form the South's youngest squad, ready to battle the North side on August 17 to 20 at the Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club.

Ong expressed his excitement and readiness for the grand finals, stating plans to practice hard to improve his game while maintaining a pressure-free approach. He promised to bring good vibes and strong cooperation to the South team.