Limjap, Gonzales gain q’finals; Lapid ousts Amor

TOP SEEDS Justin Limjap of Valley and Joe Gonzales of Orchard hurdled their rivals with ease in yesterday’s Round of 16 of the Philippine Golf Foundation National Tournament of Club Champions at the Langer course of Riviera Golf and Country Club in Silang, Cavite.

But defending champions Gary Sales of Villamor and Maricel Amor of Royale Tagaytay encountered mixed fortunes.

Limjap made short work of Steve de Plata of Royale Tagaytay via a 7-and-6 rout to set up a clash with Mark Dy of Cebu Country Club as the event moves to the hazard-laden South Forbes course for the men’s division quarterfinals today.

Seniors top qualifier Gonzales was in full control against Francis Labayen of South Forbes en route to a 3-and-2 win and a date with the dangerous Abe Avena of Mt. Malarayat, a 5-and-3 conqueror of Art Ampaya of Royale Tagaytay.

Sales needed all the tricks in his bag to survive Rodel Mangulabnan of Royal Northwoods, 2-up, and keep his title-retention bid alive in the event also backed by Philippine Airlines, Champion, Sta. Lucia Land, Seiko and Petron as major sponsors, and with Gatorade and American Tourister as minor sponsors.

It was not the case for Amor who lost on the last hole of her match with Orchard’s Abby Lapid, no thanks to a triplebogey.

Lapid will face No. 2 seed Matet Salivio of Aguinaldo, one of the four players who gained free trips to the ladies quarterfinals.

Top seed Mela Lee, the double champion from Sta. Elena and Ayala Greenfied, returns to action against Kim Hee-sun of Riviera, Leana Farrales of Canlubang battles Joan Morales of Alabang and Erlinda Goble of Eagle Ridge takes on Jo Barredo of Villamor.

Also gaining the men’s final eight were Niko Santiano of Ayala Greenfied, Junnel Roxas of Eastridge, Kim Dong-hee of Eagle Ridge, Gerald Katigbak of Mt. Mala- rayat and Allan Alegre of Summit Point.

The seniors quarterfinals cast included Augie Palisoc (Ayala Greenfield), Arnold Duay(Anvaya), Chito Laureta (Valley), Moon Chang-ho (Riviera/Tagaytay Highlands), Mansue Lukban (Splendido) and Razi Razon (Alta Vista).

Quarterfinal pairings in men’s play pit Sales against Alegre, Kim opposite Katigbak and Roxas versus Santiano. In seniors action, Palisoc battles Razon, Duay takes on Lukban and Laureta faces Moon.