Steady Suzuki nails JPGT Splendido crown

(UPDATE) SHINICHI Suzuki made a resounding return to the ICTSI Junior PGT Championship, showcasing steely resolve and a calm command under pressure to edge out Zachary Villaroman by three in a wind-blasted final-round showdown and seize the Splendido Taal leg title with a 72 on Wednesday in Laurel, Batangas.

Facing gusty winds that turned the challenging course into a true test of nerves and precision, Suzuki overcame an early deficit and relied on consistency and mental grit to emerge victorious in the boys' 15-18 division of the 54-hole tournament.

Suzuki closed out with a 219 total, three-over for the tournament, securing a well-earned victory before the Luzon series pauses for the Visayas-Mindanao (Vis-Min) swing, which kicks off Monday, May 5, in Mactan, Cebu.

Villaroman, third in the series' first two legs at Eagle Ridge and Sherwood Hills, improved to second this time with a 222 after a 76. Despite the stumble, he solidified his lead in the points race for the national finals with 32 points, with Suzuki close behind at 27.

Suzuki, a 16-year-old student from St. Francis of Assisi in Biñan, Laguna, showcased superb wedge play to anchor his victory.

He delivered a 50-degree wedge from 140 yards to within 4 feet for birdie on No. 2, followed by a precise 54-degree wedge from 122 yards that left him just 2 feet for birdie on the 14th. On No. 16, he leaned again on his trusted 50-degree wedge from 143 yards to set up a tap-in birdie.

"The key was staying patient because this course is pretty difficult — especially the greens," said Suzuki, who credited his recent stint in Japan for helping him adapt to challenging conditions.

"I had a great experience in Japan, where it was much windier," he said. "That helped me refine my club selection and learn to play with the wind instead of fighting it. I was able to hit a lot of greens and stay consistent."

Rafa Anciano, on the other hand, clinched her second straight win in dominant fashion, crushing Angelica Bañez by 36 strokes despite a closing 96 for a 54-hole total of 260 in the girls' 15-18 category of the nationwide junior golf series, launched by ICTSI in 2023 as an elite platform for grooming young talents.