Manila: Jacob Casuga and Quincy Pilac advanced to the Elite Junior PGT Finals despite finishing second in their respective divisions at the ICTSI Eagle Ridge Junior PGT Championship in General Trias, Cavite Thursday. Casuga and Pilac secured enough ranking points in the 11-17 category to claim the fourth and final Luzon berths to the North vs. South Finals set Aug. 17 to 20 at Pueblo de Oro Golf and Country Club.
According to Philippines News Agency, Casuga fired a 75 for a 151 total, behind Chan Anh, who won the title with a 148 total after a 76. Ryuji Suzuki was third with a 74 for 153, while overnight leader Javie Bautista shot an 83 for fourth at 154. Casuga collected 30 points, tying Suzuki for fourth overall but claiming the last Finals seat via tiebreak. He joins Anh, Vito Sarines, and Bautista on the North squad.
Meanwhile, Pilac delivered a clutch closing 72 for a 150 total in the girls division won by Cailey Gonzales, who had a 75 and a 149 aggregate. Aerin Chan struggled with a 79 and settled for third at 155. Pilac's runner-up finish netted 12 points, boosting her total to 31 from only three tournaments and allowing her to edge out Chan, who finished with 30 points after three third-place efforts.
In the girls' 7-10 division, Jaicee Cervantes fired an eagle-aided 71 to complete a 147 total and take an 11-shot victory over Tyly Bernardino, who carded a 77 for 158. Jehanne Mendoza placed third at 160 after an 83. The victory capped Cervantes' remarkable late-season surge, highlighted by her triumph in the fifth Luzon leg at Beverly Place. Despite playing only the minimum three tournaments required, she amassed 38 points and clinched a Finals berth alongside Winter Serapio, Andrea Dee, and Mendoza.
