Zianbeau Edoc fired a one-under 71 behind back-to-back birdies to lead the boys’ 11-14 division of the ICTSI Pradera Verde Junior PGT Championship in Lubao, Pampanga Tuesday.
Race Manhit carded a 74 to fall into a tie for second with Jacob Casuga and Vito Sarines.
“I wasn’t really doing anything too much – just simple golf. I just got lucky with those late birdies,” said the 13-year-old Edoc, seeking to qualify for the North vs. South Elite Junior Finals on Oct. 7 to 10 at The Country Club in Laguna.
Edoc is currently ranked No. 7 and is in the race for a Top 4 spot. He earned 15 points after a title victory at Riviera in his JPGT debut two weeks ago.
Sarines, Casuga and Manhit are ranked second to fourth behind frontrunner Ryuji Suzuki.
Edoc plans to take a more aggressive approach on the greens in Wednesday’s final round.
“They’re not really that fast. I was reading every short. I’ll try to go for every putt tomorrow,” said Edoc, hoping to complete a back-to-back title run and stay in finals contention in the series organized by Pilipinas Golf Tournaments, Inc.
Meanwhile, Sarines twins Mona and Lisa continue to rule the girls’ 11–14 division.
Mona fired a 71 while Lisa carded a 72 to keep the top two spots and secure their seats in the finals.
Kendra Garingalao, ranked third, shot a 78 for solo third, followed by Alexie Gabi (79), Marqaela Dy (81), and Eliana Dumalaog (85).
