Suzuki one up with a 77

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MANILA, Philippines — Ryuji Suzuki weathered two late bogeys but held his nerve to card a 77 at the up-and-down Splendido Taal Golf Club, seizing a slender one-shot lead over Vito Sarines in the 11-14 division of the ICTSI Splendido Taal Junior PGT Championship yesterday.

Suzuki, who dominated at Eagle Ridge where Sarines finished tied for third, seemed on track to a commanding lead in the 36-hole tournament after shooting two birdies against two bogeys with three holes left coming in.

However, bogeys on the seventh and ninth holes forced him to settle for a 37-40 round, keeping Sarines – who beat Suzuki by five shots at Sherwood Hills – well within striking distance after posting a 78, highlighted by two birdies on the back nine.

Jacob Casuga, who stayed close to the frontrunners early on, faltered with a frontside 42 for an 84, dropping seven shots behind Suzuki. Meanwhile, Matthias Espina and Ryuichi Tao turned in 86s, and Robert Coyiuto scored a 92.

The battle for the girls’ plum in the same age group also came down to a shootout, as twin sisters Lisa and Mona Sarines turned in identical 78s with matching 38-40 nines to lead Alexie Gabi by five strokes.

Lisa, who swept the first two legs at Eagle Ridge and Sherwood Hills, had to birdie the final hole (No. 9) to catch Mona.